Rory McIlroy hailed Justin Rose's performance at the Masters, insisting "everyone would love to see him get another major".

Rose (-10) briefly led by two shots during the final round at Augusta National on Sunday, but back-to-back bogeys led to a T3 finish as McIlroy (-12) once again triumphed at the event.

McIlroy became the first player in 24 years to defend their Masters title, and the fourth overall after Tiger Woods (2001, 2002), Jack Nicklaus (1965, 1966) and Nick Faldo (1989, 1990).

Rose, who has finished as runner-up three times at the Masters, now has seven top-three finishes at majors without winning since 2013 and 17 in the top ten.

The Englishman's only major success came at the 2013 US Open, though McIlroy believes the 45-year-old deserves to win a second major.

"What he [Rose] is doing at his age is incredible and I think everyone would love to see him get another major, because I think he deserves it," McIlroy told Sky Sports.

"What Rose is doing is sort of the blueprint for me. I feel like I can look at him and see myself competing at the highest level when I'm that age, as well."

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McIlroy also acknowledged that his preparation ahead of the tournament was key to going back-to-back at Augusta.

The Northern Irishman revealed he made multiple trips to the course during a three-week absence from the PGA Tour as he struggled with injury.

"I took three weeks into this event to make sure that my body was right, to make sure my preparation was right," McIlroy added.

"I'm not going to do that for every major, because I'm not able to, but I think I felt the most prepared coming into this event than I ever had.

"I played the golf course so much and I had such a comfortable feeling going here.

"Honestly, over the last few weeks, it has felt like my home golf course because I've been here so much. I think to see that preparation payoff is amazing."