Milan defender Gianluca Zambrotta has hailed Alexandre Pato, and he believes the Brazilian hitman can become their very own Lionel Messi.

Pato has won high praise this season, and now the Milan veteran has hailed his potential.

"Who is Milan's Messi? Simple, it's Pato," Zambrotta told Tuttosport.

"Everyone knows how much he is worth and what he can do. He can become like Messi. He is very strong."

Ronaldinho's form has also seen something of an upswing this term. Zambrotta, who played alongside the Brazilian at Barcelona, feels the ace is getting back to his best.

"There are always players who adapt to different systems to create great play. One of those is 'Dinho', who is getting back to his best."

Furthermore, Zambrotta hailed Thiago Silva, who is excelling in the rearguard alongside Alessandro Nesta.

"Silva is doing very well and I think him and Nesta have forged a very strong partnership," concluded the Italian.