"?Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion have themselves a new fan after Barcelona legend Xavi admitted he would be keeping a close eye on the Seagulls' campaign following their impressive displays.
"?Reported in the Sun, the iconic midfielder was blown away by the south coast gale force wind being produced from the AMEX Stadium as Chris Hughton's side registered outstanding results against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Rotherham United.
Having won Champions League and La Liga titles galore, combined with all there is to win at international level, Xavi will go down as one of the most decorated players of all time, but even the great man could not pick faults in Brighton's playing style.
At the epicentre of every Barcelona attack during his time at the Nou Camp, the Spaniard became Pep Guardiola's 'tika-taka' king, orchestrating from the middle of the park as the Catalans swept up all before them.
It now appears that the likes of Anthony Knockaert, Steve Sidwell and Beram Kayal have done enough to earn praise from the pass master during the opening weeks of the Championship season.
Speaking about his love of English football, Xavi admitted he had been following fellow Spaniard Aitor Karanka's progress with Middlesbrough, but may have had his head turned.
"I followed because of Karanka, but I was so impressed by the crowds that watched even in the lower divisions. I remember being impressed by some of the football that Brighton played, so maybe I can follow them."
We look forward to seeing Xavi travelling to Ewood Park on a cold Tuesday night in December with the droves of Gulls supporters, who the 36-year-old reserves praise for.
"I was impressed with the crowds in the Championship, but I know even in League One and League Two you can get thousands of fans at the game, in Spain that would be in the hundreds."?
Vamos a las Seagulls!