Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti says he doubts Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona would win Ligue 1 matches as easily as they do in La Liga.
The Italy international stuck up for Le Championnat and stressed how teams can lose against anyone if they are not concentrating -- as PSG proved with a 3-0 defeat to Montpellier at the weekend.
"In France, especially, it is even more difficult against teams who are a little lower in the standings as these teams are often compact and difficult to play against," he wrote in his monthly column for Goal France.
"In the other championships, it's a little different. In Spain, for example, an average team that faces Real Madrid or Barcelona will forget the opponents and play football. They are used to a more open, less defensive game.
"This is the reason why it is easier for Real Madrid or Barcelona to score five or six goals. I'm not sure they could score as much in France -- especially away. I like this way of playing, as the Spaniards do, but it is more difficult to find spaces in France."
Despite admitting he appreciates the Spanish style of play, Verratti recognised he owes PSG and Ligue 1 a lot and praised the physical nature of the league.
"Ligue 1 has brought me a lot," he added. "It is the championship that allows me to play with a great team like PSG, with a winning mentality.
"Then there is the physical aspect, which has taught me to never let go. All teams are at 110 percent against us. If you are at 110 percent too, the match may be easy -- otherwise it is very, very complicated. I made a lot of progress in terms of my mentality thanks to that."
Verratti is suspended for PSG's final Champions League group match at home to Ludogorets on Tuesday after picking up yellow cards in both games against Arsenal and away at FC Basel.
The French champions can guarantee top spot with a win at Parc des Princes after their recent 2-2- draw away to the Gunners.