Karim El Ahmadi hopes Aston Villa teammate Fabian Delph will be fit for the derby against West Bromwich Albion on Monday.
Villa manager Paul Lambert predicted that the two-week break from action should enable Delph enough recovery time to be fit for next Monday's match at The Hawthorns.
"As a player I always look at the players who play a little bit like me," El Ahmadi told the Birmingham Mail.
"He was very technical and what he has - what a lot of technical players don't have - is that hunger and power to get the ball.
"If you see him on the pitch and how he makes tackles to get the ball back it makes you extra motivated. It makes it much easier for me and he is the total package.
"When I came to Villa Park my first impression was I thought he was the best player.
"I think everyone can see right now how good he is. He makes everyone laugh in the dressing room - him and Gabby Agbonlahor are the jokers.''
