Marco Verratti can follow Andrea Pirlo to become world's best - Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva believes Paris Saint-Germain teammate Marco Verratti can emulate Andrea Pirlo and become "one of the best players in the world."

Verratti, 23, joined PSG from hometown club Pescara in 2012, and has since won three Ligue 1 titles at the heart of the French champions' midfield.

The Italy international has been linked with a move to Barcelona as a result of his fine form, and PSG skipper SIlva says the midfielder reminds him of Azzurrigreat and current New York City FC midfielder Pirlo.

"Marco is strong both on and off the pitch," former Brazil captain Silva told Goal. "He has a unique personality.

"He takes a lot of responsibility on the pitch, doing things that normally a midfielder wouldn't try to do. He can become one of the best players in the world, like Andrea Pirlo."

Ex-Barcelona midfielder Demetrio Albertini said in October that Verratti reminds him more of Camp Nou legend Xavi than Pirlo, adding: "He plays like a Barcelona player would by making short passes. He is different from Pirlo but he is still great.

"Pirlo makes the entire team play well regardless of his teammates. Marco needs the help of those around him a bit more, but that's not necessarily a bad thing."

Pirlo won the 2006 World Cup with Italy, with two Champions League trophies and two Serie A titles coming at AC Milan.

The 36-year-old midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements at the San Siro in 2011 before going on to inspire Juventus to four straight Scudettos.