Thursday, March 28, 2024

Verratti is like Picasso – Sacchi

SoccerNews in UEFA Champions League 11 Apr 2016

78 Views

Former Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi has compared Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti to Pablo Picasso because of his unpredictability.

Since moving to the French capital from Pescara in 2012, Verratti has developed into a key figure at the Parc des Princes – making 157 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.

The 23-year-old’s form has seen him linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona in recent months, with Sacchi expecting those links to continue as he improves with age.

“Verratti is a talent. I know him well because I worked with him at Italy’s youth teams. He is a player with a lot of quality, one of the most promising players around,” Sacchi told L’Equipe.

“If I had to compare him to an artist, I would go with Picasso. He is unpredictable. He might not be impressive physically, but he is very intelligent and can become even better if he remains humble. He must remain humble and keep chasing perfection.

“Verratti is still developing, but he has everything to become a champion. He is still only 23. These days, players reach their peak between the age of 28 and 30.

“Carlo Ancelotti was his coach at PSG and he was very pleased with him. He sometimes had to raise his voice to him, but he was very satisfied.

“Are PSG a different team without him? No player has even been indispensable for me, not even greats like Marco van Basten or Ruud Gullit.”

Verratti has been out of action since PSG’s 4-1 win over Reims on February 20 due to a groin injury, but could make his comeback in Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Manchester City.  The Ligue 1 champions had to settle for a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the quarter-final tie.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

More More
Top