Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has branded Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal "an amazing coach".
Van Gaal handed Xavi his first-team debut for Barcelona in 1998 and the Spaniard went on to make over 750 appearances for the Catalan outfit.
Van Gaal's style of management has been criticised in some quarters, but Xavi has paid tribute to the experienced Dutchman.
"He's a coach to take into account. I believe that in time he will do a very, very good job in Manchester, which he's already doing," Marca quotes Xavi as saying.
"He had to get the team to the Champions League. They qualified and will be a strong rival for the Premier League. He's an amazing coach, fantastic. He was ahead of his time."
Van Gaal managed Barcelona on two separate occasions.
