Javier Pastore has spoken of how he's been influenced by Zinedine Zidane, but Juan Roman Riquelme is the player he feels has shaped his style of play the most.

"I have always worshipped playmakers. The elegance of Zidane influenced me a lot, but, when I was small, I only had eyes for Riquelme," Pastore told Le Journal du Dimanche.

"I watched with my eyes glued to the television screen the relationship he created with his striker.

"Through him, I discovered the gesture I love the most: the pass. He was an idol in South America.

"He revived the role of the central playmaker. I am very far from his influence on the game. I long to get as close as possible."