Marco Verratti's Highlights Vs Real Madrid Are Special, It's Pointless Pressing Him

The 30-year-old had the pleasure of linking up with Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta during his time at Barcelona but he puts Verratti in the same league.

"I knew Verratti was an excellent player, but I didn't realise he was so spectacular," Neymar said.

"A genius. He's one of the best midfielders I've played with, along with Xavi Hernández and Iniesta."

Last night, Verratti served up the kind of performance that justified why Neymar rates him. Against Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, it was the former Pescara man who ran the game.

He was so calm and composed whenever he had the ball, turning and shimmying with so much ease that it became pointless trying to press him.

The midfield metronome played a slew of lovely passes through the lines for the likes of Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, but also fulfilled his defensive duties and wasn't afraid to make crucial tackles and interceptions.

As far as displays from deep lying midfielders, this was right up there and Verratti's highlights from the win are wonderful.

But Verratti's brilliance should not be slept on. The Euro 2020 winner may just be the best in the world in his position and he recently explained his role superbly.

"In my eyes, the main thing is to ensure my teammates are at ease, in a good position to create chances. So when I play a pass in between the lines for Messi or Neymar, it can create danger. That’s my role – to control the game, to know when to accelerate and slow it down."