Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has described Adam Lallana as a "very unique player" following his performance during Saturday's 4-0 win over Newcastle United.
The midfielder created his team's second goal and scored their third at St Mary's Stadium as the Saints eased past the Magpies in the Premier League.
Pochettino believes that the 25-year-old England international has more in common with Spanish maestros such as Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta rather than players from his own country.
"We haven't seen a player like that in this country for a long time," Pochettino told reporters. "Lately he has had a number of opportunities to get into the England national side so that is a very good thing for him.
"I am always telling him that he has the characteristics of a Spanish player and he has the skills of an Iniesta, Xavi or (Cesc) Fabregas.
"Adam is special, he is a very unique player. There is not another player in the country like him."
Southampton continue their Premier League campaign on Saturday when they make the trip to Manchester City.
