Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi has said that Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta sees Marco Verratti as the heir to his throne.
Unai Emery's men thrashed Luis Enrique's side 4-0 in the Champions League last week and the Italy international was a key figure.
Speaking with France Bleu radio on Sunday ahead of PSG's 0-0 draw at home to Toulouse, Matuidi detailed a conversation he had with Iniesta about Verratti during a break of play at Parc des Princes last Tuesday.
"We were concentrating so much that there was not much time to think," the France international said when asked about exchanges between the two sets of players. "At 2-0, we saw the faces of the Barcelona players and they seemed very angry with themselves.
"However, I do remember one moment when I said something to Iniesta. When Marco was on the ground, I told Iniesta 'that is your successor.' He agreed and replied 'yes.'
"That is my opinion. Iniesta is an extraordinary player. He is ageing but he is still capable of great things. He was only just back from injury in the first leg and I know he will be in better shape for the return leg.
"We are lucky to have [Iniesta's] heir in Marco. That is the message I passed on to him."
Matuidi was an unused substitute in PSG's goalless draw with Toulouse but Verratti replaced Christopher Nkunku at half time, although he was unable to swing the stalemate in the hosts' favour.