Eric Cantona has provided a somewhat surprising choice for the best player in the world when asked by reporters ahead of Laureus Sports Awards in Shanghai. While Argentina captain Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the holder of this illustrious title, the former Manchester United forward thought that his international teammate, Javier Pastore is currently the best.

Never afraid to speak his mind, no matter how bizarre it may seem, Cantona said: “For me, the best player in the world is Javier Pastore.”

“I watched two PSG games just to see him play. For me, he is the most creative player at the moment. Pastore is full of surprises. I love this kind of player.”

While enjoying an excellent season for Paris St Germain and now looking like the player that they hoped he would be when they signed Pastore from Palermo for €39.8 million in 2011, El Flaco has still only scored three times and contributed seven assists in Ligue 1. A figure that obviously pales in comparison to Messi or Ronaldo or in fact a great number of players across Europe.

Statistics of this kind of course do not come close to giving the full picture but it is an opinion that very few would agree with. Pastore is a wonderfuly elegant player, full of creativity but aside from trying to win as much as possible with Paris this season, the 25-year-old must now secure a spot in the Argentina side.

Pastore shone in the recent friendly against Ecuador but must now force his way into Gerardo Martino’s plans permanently ahead of the Copa America.