Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has spoken of his admiration for Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas ahead of Wednesday's Champions League game at Stamford Bridge.
PSG head into the second leg of the round-of-16 clash with a 2-1 advantage from last month's game at the Parc des Princes as they seek to eliminate Chelsea for a second season in succession.
Italy international Verratti told The Guardian that PSG will be seeking "to keep the possession of the ball, attack and go for an early goal," warning that that they will "be in trouble" if they fail to play their natural game.
The French champions enjoyed 65 percent possession in the first leg, and Verratti is targeting a similar showing in London.
"That's our style of playing -- we like to play football," Verratti said. "Either way we will have to show more personality than in the first leg, because we're playing at Stamford Bridge, which is always different from playing at home, but we need to play the same kind of football, yes."
While Chelsea tend to put less focus on possession, Verratti highlighted former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Fabregas as a player he has tried to emulate.
"I watch a lot of football," the 23-year-old said. "If I was to pick a player that I identify with in this Chelsea team it would be Cesc Fabregas. He makes you see what the game is about, he breathes football and you can tell by his way of playing how much he loves it.
"He was already a great player when I just got started, so I've watched him a lot. He's an example who I've tried to learn from."
Verratti also praised Diego Costa's contribution to the Chelsea team, even if the Spain striker does not play in his preferred style.
"I prefer entertaining football, but having a personality like Costa in your team is always good," he said. "He uses warfare to win the games, but I know him, he's a good guy who transforms when he comes on the pitch."
Verratti, who joined PSG from Pescara in 2012, also stressed that he is satisfied with life in Ligue 1.
"Ligue 1 is the only top league I've played in, and I'm very happy here," he said. "The club placed their bets on me when I was still very young, and I'm grateful for that.
"Of course the Premier League is really strong, but I'm not a player who likes new challenges just for the sake of it. The future will tell."
Verratti signed a contract extension until 2020 last month.