Terry and Chelsea managed to frustrate Barcelona at the Camp Nou and got away with a goalless draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash.
He said: “I spoke to Xavi after the Spain-England game and told him he is one of the best players I have ever played against.
“I played against him as a youngster for England Under-21s when Spain beat us 4-0 at Barnsley and he was man of the match – and he has always stuck in my mind.
“To see where is now, is no surprise. He is different class and a really nice guy, too.
“I told him I’d voted for him as world player of the year.
“He is someone I admire. He’s at the heart of everything Barcelona do and keeps them ticking.”
