A man preparing to face the reigning Ligue 1 champions on Saturday is looking forward to testing himself against one of the best in the business
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Marco Verratti is the finest midfielder in Ligue 1, according to Nice star Adrien Tameze, while FIFA Best winner Luka Modric sets the standard in the global game.
There are plenty of creative and combative performers currently starring on a world stage, with that talent spread across the most competitive divisions in European football.
Modric has seen his efforts recognised by one of the most prestigious individual prizes, with the Croatia international have enjoyed a memorable 2018 with club and country.
He has been showered with praise from fellow players and pundits, with Tameze happy to admit that he is part of the Real Madrid playmaker’s fan club.
The 24-year-old is also an admirer of Paris Saint-Germain star Verratti, with their paths set to cross in the French top-flight on Saturday.
Tameze told Goal on the midfield rivals he looks up to: “The player who impresses me the most is Luka Modric.
“That’s not very original as he was voted the best FIFA player but it’s him that impresses me the most in the middle.
“I watch a lot of football and of course I try to learn from all of the good players in my position. In France, the best is Verratti.”
Tameze is set to line up against PSG with the reigning Ligue 1 champions seeking to secure an eighth successive victory at the start of the 2018-19 campaign.
The size of the challenge facing Nice is not lost on any of those preparing to go into battle, but there is a belief that they can be the ones to halt an historic run.
“They must lose one day! Or at least draw,” said Tameze.
“That’s going to be the challenge, being the first team to stop them from taking three points.
“I don’t think they are as good collectively as they have been in recent years but I am still getting my legs ready because what is certain is that we will have run a lot against them.”
Patrick Vieira is the man trying to plot PSG’s demise, with the former Arsenal and Juventus star back in his homeland in a first European managerial post.
The World Cup winner cut his teeth in MLS with New York City and Tameze believes he has the makings of a top coach.
“He is very close to his players,” said a versatile performer who can operate for Nice in both midfield and defence.
“I really like this kind of coach who takes the opportunity to talk with everybody.
“He is both a leader and a coach focused on tactics. I cannot really say if he will go more one way than the other in the future.
“He is a good tactician who has specific ideas about what he wants to do and is a leader of men who can talk and connect with everyone.”