Juventus star Gonzalo Higuain is among the best three strikers in the world, according to defender Giorgio Chiellini.

The Argentinian has scored 32 goals in all competitions this season, including a brace in the first leg of his side's Champions League semi-final against Monaco.

Chiellini, whose team lead the tie 2-0 ahead of Tuesday's second leg in Turin, said Higuain deserved to be recognised among the world's best.

"He is a very complete player," he told a news conference.

"He stands amongst the best three number nines in the world.

"No need to say where exactly but he can easily be on the podium."

Higuain is in his first season at Juve after three prolific campaigns with Napoli, and he still has time to better his 38-goal haul of 2015-16.