Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Alex says that fellow Brazilian Marquinhos might need to leave the French champions to make the most of his talent.
Alex, 33, spent two seasons in Paris before joining AC Milan last season after the French club signed David Luiz from Chelsea for £50 million.
Marquinhos, 21, left Roma for PSG in July 2013 in a deal thought to be worth €32m.
The Brazil international is facing competition for a centre-back spot from David Luiz and club captain Thiago Silva.
The former Corinthians player has started the past two league games after David Luiz was rested but Alex thinks that the youngster should be playing every week.
"Marquinhos would fit in at any big European club," the former Santos, Chelsea and PSV centre-back told L'Equipe.
"His problem is that two of the best players in the world in his position are ahead of him.
"If I was in his place, I would leave PSG -- especially when all the big clubs want him.
"During every transfer window, he gets magnificent offers. He's young and should be playing to show his worth."
Alex won two Ligue 1 titles at PSG while playing alongside Silva. He said he cannot understand why his former central defensive partner continues to be overlooked by Brazil coach Dunga.
"It's very surprising," he told L'Equipe. "In Milan, everyone is asking me for an explanation. They're surprised but so am I.
"For me, Thiago Silva is the best defender in the world. In my team, he'd be starting every day."