Thiago Motta has hailed the strength in depth boasted by Paris Saint-Germain in midfield and expressed his hope that Blaise Matuidi will remain at Parc des Princes, despite transfer speculation linking him with a summer move away.
The Italy international is the French champions' current vice-captain and led the side in Thiago Silva's absence for the 3-1 away win at Bastia last week.
Motta, 33, arrived in the French capital back in January of 2012 and the former Inter Milan, Genoa, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona man feels that there has never been a lack of competition for places in midfield in his time there.
"PSG's midfield has always been a strong point of ours and hopefully that continues," Motta said in a news conference ahead of Sunday's Ligue 1 home clash with FC Metz.
"Competition has not existed only from today; it has always been there. It means players must always give their all if they are to play."
After the summer signing of Grzegorz Krychowiak, PSG coach Unai Emery has the Poland international, Motta, Marco Verratti, Blaise Matuidi, Adrien Rabiot, Benjamin Stambouli, as well as Christopher Nkunku and Lorenzo Callegari to choose from in the middle.
France international Matuidi has been linked with a move away, though, and Motta feels letting such an influential character go would be a mistake.
"I appreciate Blaise on and off the pitch," the Brazil-born Italian stated. "He has done a fantastic job. My advice to him is to stay here. If we lose a player like Blaise now, we will lose a lot."
Emery has been questioned mercilessly on Matuidi's future since his arrival as coach this summer and despite already stating his desire to see the Frenchman stay with PSG, he was moved to reiterate his stance once more.
"It is a three-part question: the team, the club and the player," the Spaniard told journalists at the news conference. "If all three are very clear that they want to be here, the debate is over.
"We have talked with the leaders and I have expressed that I am very glad to have Matuidi. The club's leaders feel Matuidi is important for us. The club have also asked the player what he thinks and he has said that he is very happy here."
However, Emery did hint that if a sizeable offer arrived from a foreign club that PSG would at least consider it.
"After that, there is the possibility that a good club from abroad makes and offer," the former Sevilla coach admitted. "If that happens, there will be a discussion over whether he continues with us or leaves.
"This discussion has been had and for us, everything is clear. We want the player to stay and remain at PSG. I expect this speculation to end soon and I want the player to stay."