Xavi is like a chess player, says Giggs he is "two or three steps ahead of everybody else"

Manchester Unitedicon Ryan Giggs has voiced his admiration for Barcelonamidfielder Xaviand has compared his to a chess player for his quick thinking.
The ex-Spain international drew level with Giggs on 151 Champions League appearances including qualifying rounds following Barca's 4-0 win over APOEL on Tuesday and the Welshman feels honoured to share the record with Xavi.
"It is never nice to lose a record, but the fact that I'm now sharing it with someone of Xavi's calibre makes it a bit less bad," Giggs toldMundo Deportivo.
"Xavi is a bit like a chess player. He is always two or three steps ahead of everybody else. For me, he is one of the greatest players ever who played for one of the best teams ever.
"What surprised me most about him whenever I played against him was the way he protects the ball. He always keeps it far away from his opponents. He always seemed to make the perfect decision.
"He is a very intelligent player and always remains humble. He reminds me a bit of Paul Scholes."
Xavi has made the most appearances in the Champions League without qualifying rounds since the new format was introduced back in 1992. He has played 145 matches, one more than Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.