Why PSG Must Build Their Future Around Marco Verratti

People say you don't know what you've got until it’s gone. This season for Paris Saint-Germain, that has been painfully true during Marco Verratti's absence through injury.

The Italian midfielder has only been able to start three league games (link in French) since the 4-1 win over Saint-Etienne on the 25 October. Injury followed injury, but his return to the team for the second half of their Coupe de la Ligue 2-1 triumph over Lille last month showed exactly why PSG should plan to build the future of this club around the 23-year-old.

He was able to play the first leg of the last-16 tie with Chelsea but missed both games in the quarter-finals against Manchester City. As Laurent Blanc struggled with suspensions and other injuries, Verratti’s absence was truly missed.

Although they bossed possession, they lacked control and composure when they needed it most.

No matter how fast-paced the game becomes, you can rely on Verratti to hold the ball, fight off defenders and find a pass.

His earlier days in the French capital would see him sometimes try to do too much and dwell on the ball in the wrong areas, but that has all but been removed from his play. He's now a commanding, confident presence, and Verratti could play at the heart of this team for the next 10 years.

According to L’Equipe (h/t Get French Football News), PSG are planning to sign Verratti to a new contract lasting until 2021, and when former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi spoke to the French newspaper (h/t the Daily Mail's Alex Bywater) he had nothing but praise for the little maestro:

"

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. 

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. He must remain humble and keep chasing perfection.

"

Praise for the former Pescara player isn’t restricted to former coaches; his team-mates are also keen to rave about his qualities.

Edinson Cavani told Marca (h/t Goal's Stefan Coerts):

"

Verratti is a phenomenon who could play for any big team in Europe.

He is the best player I have ever played with, both for the way he plays on the pitch and for his behaviour off the pitch. He is a great guy, always positive and very nice. He has class and elegance. He sometimes looks like a veteran already.

If he continues to work like this, he will continue to be one of the best there is. It's a joy to be playing with him.

"

Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

During the cup final against Lille, PSG were down to 10 men and had just taken the lead when Verratti made his return to action (link in French)—coming on for Lucas Moura. Lille were desperate to press their advantage and looked to level the game for a second time, but Verratti added a level of control to the midfield.

The Italian slowed the game down and helped PSG see out the victory.

With Thiago Motta showing signs of his age this season and Blaise Matuidi nearing his 30th birthday (link in French) next season, Verratti is the future. With Adrien Rabiot beside him, they could go on to dominate French and European football for a number of years.

The Italian is the key component, though, and PSG must do everything they can to keep him in the French capital for as long as possible.