A Galactico in waiting back home at the Bernabéu but a relative unknown throughout the rest of Europe.

So who is Daniel Parejo?

According to Guillem Balague, Sky Sports' Spanish football expert and respected commentator on the continental game, Sheffield United will encounter a player with the potential to surpass two of Iberia's most prodigious talents when they entertain Queens Park Rangers tomorrow.

"For me, Daniel is very similar to (Xabi) Alonso," Balague told The Star. "He can deliver a short pass, a long pass; his selection is very good.

"But he prefers to compare himself to Xavi at Barcelona.

"Daniel likes to go forward, to try to make things happen around the opposition penalty box.

"But he could actually turn out to be better than both of those players."

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Off all the new arrivals at Loftus Road this summer, Parejo's is the most intriguing.

It cost Flavio Briatore, QPR's joint owner, an estimated £1 million to prise him away from Real Madrid for a season with the possibility of a further payment to follow should the loan be extended.

Parejo, whose last act before departing for West London was to score the winning goal in Los Merengues' Emirates Cup triumph over Hamburg, is certainly a prospect;.

Eleven goals in 37 appearances for Real Madrid's reserve team, Castilla, illustrates his potential.

But it will be fascinating to see how Parejo prospers in the Championship, where athleticism can be afforded even more importance than expression.

Bernd Schuster, who delivered a record 31st La Liga title to Madrid last season, is known to be keeping an especially close eye on developments.

"Schuster did not want him to leave but he was offered a lot of money," Balague continued.

"Daniel says that if QPR go up, and if everything proves a success, then he'll be happy to extend his stay for another year and then go back to Madrid.

"But that is the plan, to go back there after continuing his development in London.

"He is very highly thought of in Madrid and much is expected of him."

Parejo has made a solid if unspectacular start to life with Iain Dowie's side as he aclimatises to the demands of the Football League, appearing as a second-half substitute during the 2-1 victory over Barnsley last weekend before making his full debut at Swindon on Tuesday.

"As we know, in the Championship you need to be physically strong," Balague said.

"Naturally it is going to take Daniel time to adapt and it could well be the case that we'll only see the best of him here in around five months.

"It's not going to be an instant process. In the Championship, tt's important he has a good base around him."

Parejo is almost certain to be handed a central role if selected to face a United side expected to make numerous changes to the team which recorded a 3-1 victory over Port Vale in the Carling Cup two days ago.

Balague added: "For me, Daniel's best role in the future will be something more advanced.
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