Javier Pastore is more important to Paris Saint-Germain than Zlatan Ibrahimovic after a virtuoso display against Metz, according to club captain Thiago Silva, though coach Laurent Blanc still wants more from him.
Pastore, 25, became the first PSG player in more than a decade to have a hand in three goals in a single game as they registered a 3-1 win over Metz that took the reigning champions three points clear of Lyon at the top of Ligue 1 with four games left.
The trio of assists move the Argentina international into double figures for 2014-15 which, added to his five goals, makes this the most fruitful campaign since he scored 13 and set up five league strikes in his maiden campaign in France after his 2011 move from Palermo.
Silva, 30, was impressed by the contribution of "El Flaco" - -'The Thin One' -- as he is nicknamed.
"He's having his best season with PSG. He's the best player in the league. For me, he's even better than [Lyon's Alexandre] Lacazette. Look at the number of assists he's given us. He's the most important man at PSG," the Brazil international said, adding Pastore's importance is greater than that even of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"Yes, because it's Pastore who gives the passes to Zlatan. Without a good pass, it's more difficult to score. When "El Flaco" plays like that, it's easier for Zlatan."
Pastore's rich vein of form is in stark contrast to his performances in recent seasons, which had led to growing criticism that he was not fulfilling the potential he showed at Palermo, and which convinced PSG to pay a then-Ligue 1 record €42 million for him.
Despite his display against Metz, manager Blanc claimed Pastore can do better, and probably would have had he not played so much this season.
"He's a player I like a lot, even when he was going through a tough time," said Blanc, who has featured Pastore in all but one of his club's league matches this season. "He did a lot, he could have done more today. But he's been up front and centre stage for 10 or 12 games.
"He's called upon more than he should have been. With Ibra's suspension, we need this kind of player. I think that he -- like the team -- had a great game today,
"But I think he could have been better. He didn't handle one or two situations well due to a lack of concentration. That can be explained. He might have had it, but with his playing time, he has perhaps lost a little concentration due to fatigue. With a little clear-headedness, he can score himself or make others score."