FIFA world cup: the best XI who failed to qualify

Midfielder- Marco Verratti (Italy)

Argentina v Italy - International Friendly - Etihad Stadium

When Italy lost Pirlo it was hard to imagine anyone taking the legendary midfielder's place. But Marco Verratti has been proving himself as a worthy replacement.

Being mentioned in the same breath as Andrea Pirlo is something many people will disagree with but Verratti is that good.

Apart from being great at finding his teammates on either flank, the PSG man has defensive attributes as well. Despite being of a short stature Verratti is never shy to show his aggression.

Verratti has been rightly termed as the future of Italian football. When ranking the best playmaking midfielders around the globe, Verratti is the one on everyone’s lips. It is a shame that the four times

Former world champions Italy failed to qualify for world cup finals this time meaning we won't witness a Verratti show in Russia

Even Xavi, the Barcelona legend who surely knows a thing or two about midfield labelled Verratti as a perfect fit for the Blaugrana.

Verratti has been enjoying success with PSG for 6 years and has been a constant presence in the starting 11. Any team having Verrati in midfield is dangerous to let alone he is partnered with the dynamic Vidal.