Andres Iniesta Agrees That Marco Verratti Is His Successor, Says Blaise Matuidi

Blaise Matuidi believes Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Marco Verratti is the heir apparent to Andres Iniesta, an assessment the Barcelona star shares. 

Matuidi spoke to Iniesta during PSG's 4-0 defeat of Barca in the UEFA Champions League and later told France Bleu (h/t Goal's Stefan Coerts): 

The Frenchman added that Iniesta "is an extraordinary player" and that, despite his age, "the things he does are amazing."

Matuidi finished: "We are fortunate to have his successor with us. That is the message I gave Iniesta when we spoke."

Verratti produced a sublime performance during the match as PSG put Barca to the sword, as Squawka Football demonstrated:

The Italian rightfully earned plenty of plaudits for his performance:

The 24-year-old is already among the best midfielders in the world, and he has the potential to reach Iniesta's level, the Spaniard having proved himself to be one of the best of his generation.

Verratti possesses the qualities that would allow him to thrive at the Camp Nou, chiefly his composure and technique on the ball, dribbling ability and exceptional passing at both short and long range—abilities Iniesta also shares.

He is perhaps slightly more akin to compatriot Andrea Pirlo or Iniesta's fellow Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, though.

Whereas Iniesta operates in a more advanced position to help control the tempo of the game from higher up the pitch and create chances for Barcelona's front three, Verratti is more of a deep-lying playmaker.

His role still involves exerting influence and control over the game but from further back, and he'll collect the ball from the defence before looking to spray passes forward.

Iniesta will be 33 in May, and Barcelona will soon have to start preparing for his eventual departure or retirement, if they haven't already by re-signing Denis Suarez last summer.

Despite his different role in the team at PSG, Verratti would make a fine addition to the Blaugrana when the time comes.

Equally, Matuidi and Iniesta may believe he's a spiritual successor to the Spaniard's mantle rather than a literal one—regardless, Verratti looks set to achieve great things in his career.