Cruyff: Xavi, not Messi for Ballon d'Or

Johan Cruyff belives that Barcelona star midfielder Xavi Hernandez is more deserving of this year's Ballon d'Or than even Lionel Messi.

Both players have been nominated for the award, but Barcelona legend Cruyff, who led the club to four La Liga titles and the 1992 European Cup as manager, believes Xavi has had a superior season compared to the Argentine.

According to reports in the Sun, the Dutchman insisted: "It all depends on how you see football.

"Xavi for me does not deserve it because he is the best, but because he is a player that makes a team in which others can develop."

The 31-year-old helped Barcelona to the La Liga and European crowns last season, and was also named Player of the Tournament during Spain's European Championship victory in 2008.