Xavi: "Cruyff has been the most influential person in modern football"

Xavi Hernández has once again praised the impact and influence Johan Cruyff has had on FC Barcelona, as well as football on the whole.

"For me, Johan has been the most influential person in the history of modern football," admitted the current Al-Sadd head coach. The legendary midfielder has been linked with the managerial role at the Camp Nou over the last 12 months.

"He's (Cruyff) been the key person behind all of the successes at Barça over the last 20-25 years - and the national team," insisted Xavi.

"He came to Barcelona as a coach and changed the philosophy of our play: he instilled a system which is even taught today. Barça and the national team have grown out of Cruyff's philosophy."