During his time at Lyon, Juninho Purnambacano forged a reputation as the world's deadliest dead ball specialist - and nowhe believes that Juventus' summer recruit Miralem Pjanic has the capabilities to do the same.
Speaking to Tuttosport, and as reported by Goal, the Brazilian recalled on his experience as a team-mate of the Bosnian, when he was a youngster at Lyon to pay homage to his set piece skills.
"Pjanic was still very young when he arrived at Lyon, but he was already a big personality and you could see he had a bright future ahead of him.
"He already had a lot of quality at set pieces and he has become one of the best around these days.
"I'd say he is a specialist at the same level of Ronaldo, Messi and Bale, players who strike the ball in an excellent manner."
However, he was quick to point out that the midfielder is more than a one trick pony, stating that he is up to the task of filling Andrea Pirlo's boots in Turin - as well as Paul Pogba's - once his protracted return to Manchester United is finally made official.
"I think (Pjanic) is the perfect replacement for Pirlo when you look at his talent, charisma and love for the game. But they are different types of players.
"Pirlo is a master at dictating the pace of a game. He decides what's happening for his team. He can play short and long passes to orchestrate his team.
"(Pjanic) is especially talented individually. He can be a 'trequartista'. I think the fans will love him the way they loved Pirlo."
The Juventus faithful will hope that the Bosnian lives up to his former teammate's billing, as they face up to life another season without the majesticPirlo, andpossiblywithout the brilliance of Pogba as well.