Zenit coach Mircea Lucescu feels Axel Witsel is on par with Paul Pogba, amid rumours he could replace the Manchester United-bound midfielder at Juventus.
Pogba has been heavily linked with a return to Old Trafford in recent weeks, with United reportedly willing to pay up to €120 million to re-sign the 23-year-old.
Juventus are believed to have lined up Witsel as a potential replacement and Lucescu has little doubt the 27-year-old would be an instant hit at the Serie A champions.
"I don't see any differences between him and Pogba really," Lucescu told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Maybe age is the only difference. And we all saw at Euro 2016 that Pogba was missing a bit of experience. Witsel does not have this issue.
"He has a lot of personality and can play anywhere in midfield. He is technically very strong and can use both his feet. He can play in [Claudio] Marchisio's role and contribute something extra going forward at the same time because he is strong in the area.
"Axel wants to leave, but he is great guy and will not cause any problems or force through a move. We will have to wait and see what happens. I understand the situation and what the player wants.
"Everything is alright if we receive an offer that is good for the club and for him. If Juventus take him now rather than next year [when his contract expires], they already have a player who is ready.
"Maybe we could convince Axel to stay put. He is an essential player for us."
> ..... - Goal