Spain Manager Vicente Del Bosque has compared  Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye favourably to Xavi Hernandez.

The former Lille ace has seen a dramatic increase in his form and reputation since his £4.6 million move to the Tyne-side  club at the beginning of the last season, but the Spanish manager believes he is now France’s best player.

Spain are due to take on France tonight in a World Cup qualifying game in Madrid in a game which will definitely set the tone for who will be group favourites from now to the end of the  group fixtures.

The  Ex Real Madrid boss is all too aware of how crucial it is to win the midfield battle but was not quick to lose sight of the Toon player’s star quality.

In his press conference yesterday Del Bosque went on to state “He is probably the most talented player the France have in their midfield”.

He further went on to praise Cabaye adding “He takes set pieces, he controls the game.

He is a bit like their Xavi”.

Newcastle fans certainly hope they have a 'French Xavi' on their books but for now will settle for the midfielder escaping the fixture unscathed.

The French playmaker had suffered a stomach injury in training last week prior to France’s 1-0 friendly loss to Japan.

But it is believed the player has recovered fully to take his place in the starting line-up for tonight’s international clash with Spain.

Cabaye is set to next feature domestically this Sunday in the Tyne-Wear Derby in a 13.30 kick off in front of the Sky cameras.