German legend Franz Beckenbauer says he's a huge fan of Barcelona defender Gerard Pique.

Pique has been likened to Beckenbauer and the Bayern Munich supremo welcomes the comparison.

"He is a player who has surprised me by his development at Barca," said Beckenbauer. "I knew him at Manchester United, but Sir Alex Ferguson played him as a more conventional central defender, using his size for the high balls and his strength.

"In contrast, Pep Guardiola has him more involved in the game, likes to start the play from the back like me, he makes great passes and I like his chutzpah. Every day, he's trying new things."