Xavi, 36, is currently playing for Al Sadd SC but won 14 major honours under Guardiola at Barcelona over four years.
He told BBC World Football: "If there is one person who can change the mentality of English players, of English football, it's Pep Guardiola.
"He is one of the best coaches. He could do a big revolution."
Listen to more from Xavi on BBC World Football
Guardiola won his first 10 games in charge of City before suffering a first defeat at Tottenham before the international break.
But Xavi - who left Barcelona in 2015 after winning his fourth Champions League title to play in Qatar - has seen enough from the club's early season form to suggest that Guardiola can make a big difference.
"If you see the games of Manchester City you can see his style," Xavi said.
"As a player he was a big reference for my career, and as a coach.
"We made history with him in Barcelona. Barcelona always have the best coaches but Guardiola made a revolution; not only at Barcelona but across the world.
"When you see him on the bench you can see his passion for football. I know him and I know he can do it."
Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes Pep Guardiola "can change the mentality of English football" during his time at Manchester City.