Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says Carlos Tevez deserves to be regarded among the world's best.

Tevez's name rarely crops up in debates about the world's top players, with the focus more likely to be on Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

Having worked at such close quarters, Mancini believes Tevez is worthy of a place in that bracket. However, he accepts the forward needs to be operating at a higher level than at present.

"Carlos compares with any striker," said Mancini. "But Rooney plays in the Champions League for Manchester United. Messi plays in the Champions League for Barcelona.

"If Carlos was in the Champions League he would be at the same level because he is one of the best players in the world."