Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has heaped praise on Zlatan Ibrahimovic for playing an 'essential' role for the French club. The 33-year-old striker has bagged 17 Ligue 1 goals for Laurent Blanc's side this season, but Verratti believes his input off the pitch is just as important. He told FourFourTwo: 'I'd like to talk to you about what Zlatan is like behind closed doors, because everyone knows what he's like on the pitch. Paris Saint-Germain Marco Verratti has hailed his Swedish team-mate Zalatan Ibrahimovic (centre) Italian midfielder Verratti (right) waves during PSG training at the Nou Camp on Monday . 'But it's away from it where he plays such an essential role. He's always on hand to help his team-mates and he exerts so much confidence in the team. 'He helps the young players progress. He's there for everyone really. Unfortunately for the PSG faithful, the Swedish striker was suspended for the club's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona last week, but will be available for selection ahead of the return fixture. Luis Suarez scored twice after a Neymar opener at the Parc des Princes last week before Gregory van der Wiel gave PSG a glimmer of hope to take into the Nou Camp. Ibrahimovic is available for the club's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Barcelona .
Marco Verratti has hailed Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his off-the-field attitude . Verratti reveals the Swedish striker helps young players progress . Paris Saint-Germain face Barcelona on Tuesday night . Blanc admits progressing against Barcelona is 'practically impossible' READ: Egotistic Ibrahimovic will believe Barcelona will be in awe of him .