BASEL, Switzerland -- Paris Saint-Germain's Marquinhos feels good in Paris now that he has established himself as one of the French giants' two starting central defenders.
Unai Emery's men are in Switzerland to take on FC Basel in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday and qualification from Group A is at stake at St. Jakob Park.
Marquinhos admitted "stringing together consecutive starts" has given him "the confidence a player needs" and finally earning his place alongside PSG captain Thiago Silva makes him relieved.
Edinson Cavani has been a key source of goals for the French champions in Europe, with four from just three appearances so far -- second only to Barcelona's Lionel Messi. Marquinhos agreed his Uruguayan teammate is important but played down the individual emphasis.
"A dependency on Cavani? We have a collective force," the Brazil international added. "When the group strengthens further, then individuals can come to the fore."
Midfielder Adrien Rabiot is becoming an increasingly important player for PSG under Emery and Marquinhos revealed his admiration for the France Under-21 international. The defender admires his teammate's talent and surprising experience for such a young player.
"Rabiot? He is already an important player," Marquinhos said. "He is progressing, becoming a man and embracing his responsibilities on the pitch -- even at difficult moments."
Marquinhos is not the only one impressed by Rabiot, Emery is another fan of the 21-year-old and the Spaniard claimed his rapid rise to becoming a regular start this season "is not a surprise when we look at the past three seasons."
"He is a player for the present and the future of PSG," the 44-year-old tactician added. "Don't forget the France national team. I believe he is happy and I know the club are too. He is working hard and PSG recognise that."
Right-back Serge Aurier is the only major absence for PSG in Switzerland and Emery revealed the Ivory Coast international "has an ankle problem, which started in Monaco," adding "hopefully he recovers as soon as possible."
Asked whether a win over Basel would boost his and his players' confidence, Emery stressed the importance of the Champions League to Les Parisiens and the desire to top Group A.
"It is a very important game," the Basque stated. "Basel will be highly motivated, they played well in Paris. We have prepared well and want to win."
Marquinhos echoed his boss' sentiments, acknowledging the problems caused by PSG's Swiss hosts at Parc des Princes a fortnight ago and underlining the need to be vigilant on Tuesday.
"We must avoid putting ourselves in danger like we did in the first 30 minutes at home," Marquinhos said. "We did well in the second half. Our strength is possession of the ball. They troubled us in Paris and few teams do. We must be wary. We want qualification."