Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic has compared new signing Xola Mlambo to former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star Xabi Alonso.
The former Spain international was known for his sharp footballing brain and his fantastic range of passing.
'Micho', who signed Mlambo from Bidvest Wits the January transfer window, is hopeful that the 26-year-old will provide the Soweto giants with similar qualities.
"I regard him as the Xabi Alonso of South African football. Each pass comes with thinking in his head," the Serbian told KickOff.
"He is readjusting from the style of play from Wits coming to us. We believe we have got a player to add value to our midfield, very close with his technical abilities. "I call it press-resistant, [being able to control] the ball under pressure, to win the ball and to play two-way traffic, something he has with him.
"We just see as a technical team huge space for him to improve and add huge value to the team. We are privileged to have him among us."
Mlambo could be in line to face former club Chippa United in Port Elizabeth on February 25, having made his debut as a substitute in Pirates' 2-0 Nedbank Cup last 32 win over Ajax Cape Town at the weekend.