Real Sociedad star Esteban Granero: David Moyes and Jose Mourinho are 'alike in their ideas'

Real Sociedad star Esteban Granero has noted comparisons between his manager, David Moyes, and Jose Mourinho, who managed him at Real Madrid.

The former Queens Park Rangers midfielder played for two seasons under the current Chelsea boss at the Santiago Bernabeu, from 2010-12.

Even though the Spaniard struggled to secure regular time at Los Blancos, he enjoyed a strong relationship with Mourinho, who even once said: "It pained me to leave Granero in the stands because nobody works as much as he does."

In summer 2012, Granero moved to Loftus Road for around £9m after Mourinho advised him to experience playing in the Premier League.

Granero failed to establish himself under manager Mark Hughes and just one season after his arrival to QPR, he moved on loan to Real Sociedad before completing a permanent move during the following campaign.

The Spaniard has become into a crucial player at Real Sociedad for Moyes and speaking about the former United boss, Granero says the ex-Manchester United manager reminded him very much of Mourinho.

"Every coach has their own characteristics and working methods, but Moyes and Mourinho seem alike in their ideas, their professionalism and their interest in controlling everything surrounding the players," Granero said, as quoted by AS.

Meanwhile, the Spanish midfielder seized the opportunity to lavished praise on Mourinho, claiming the Portuguese manager made him a better player while lifting Real Madrid to the top.

He said: "Mourinho returned to make Real Madrid into a first-class team. I learned a lot working under him and improved as a player. The truth is that I have the best memories of that time. He made Real Madrid a top European team again."