Top 3 players capable of replacing Andrea Pirlo

He has just been getting better with age. Pirlo has been the driving force for club and country for what seems like ages now . Football fans in general won't like the sight of him hanging up his boots but eventually Andrea Pirlo will have to settle for a lesser role in the coming years.Yes, he can't be replaced by Italy nor by Juventus instantly but someone will have to fill the gap left by him. This gap is by no means a small one, as his team's all round play depends on him. There are many players who can fill that Andrea Pirlo role for the time being such as the likes of Daniele De Rossi, Ricardo Montolivo and Thiago Motta.But the three names who are mentioned below are the best when considered as a long term solution for Italy's midfield anchorman role . With Pirlo possibly playing his last international tournament for Italy, we examine the players capable of filling the gap in the coming years.

#1 Marco Verratti - Paris Saint Germain

Marco Verratti is one of Europe's brightest midfield prospects. The former Pescara player is a defensive midfielder with some qualities which are rather surprising for a player in his position. Technically gifted, he's a supreme passer of the ball, particularly in tight situation. His remarkable ability to get away from players helps a whole lot here.

He's also a quick, sublime dribbler who can find the right pass in the final third. Paris Saint Germain depend heavily on Verratti to get the ball out of defense and link up with the forwards.

Although small in size, his ability to retain the ball is one of his major assets. Being quick, he isn't afraid to dive into tackles. Verratti can also operate behind the striker in the no.10 role when needed. His technique of going about things on the pitch calmly and his ability to pick a pass under pressure make him a player capable of filling the void which will be left by Andrea Pirlo. Just 21, he's the perfect player around whom Italy can build a team for the future.

#2 Claudio Marchisio - Juventus

The experienced Juventus vice captain is already a main fixture for the "Gli Azzurri". He's been immense playing in front of the likes of Bonnucci, Chiellini, and Barzagli. His defensive contributions have also led to Pirlo having sufficient space to orchestrate the play.

Marchisio is a mixture of an attacking midfielder and a defensive midfielder; a proper central midfielder in other words. He's very good going forward and has the vision to see the final pass. On the other hand, he's a workhorse when it comes to his defensive contributions.

He acts as a shield for his back four , be it for Italy or Juventus. Intercepting and breaking down play is his major quality. Moreover, he's a textbook passer of the ball who often likes to play a one touch game. When given time and space, he's also a good long range shooter. Ever present at the heart of midfield, Marchisio will have to take over more responsibility when Pirlo isn't there. He's certainly capable of doing so, as he's shown that at Juventus so far.

#3 Andrea Poli - AC Milan

After joining Milan, its clear that Poli , a Central midfielder by trade , is very versatile and can also play as an attacking midfielder. This is a player who was dubbed as "The New Pirlo" a few years ago. These expectations were too pre-mature considering his perfomances weren't consistent enough. Nevertheless, he's always been a talented player.

Poli operates well in both a three man as well as a four man midfield. He likes to have more of the ball and always has an unexpected turn or a flick up his sleeve. He's the one on whom AC Milan often rely for dictating the tempo of the play. A smooth passer and a brilliant interceptor, Poli is a very versatile player as he can also put a shift in at right back.

At 24 years of age he's a player entering the prime years of his career and will only get better with each passing season. He can well be the one who fills Pirlo's role in the near future if he continues to work on his consistency.