Thursday 6 June 2013

Pele termed neymar better than messi
Pele has clarified statements made last year to explain that he believes Barcelona new boy Neymar could become better than Lionel Messi.
The Brazilian legend commented in August that the 21-year-old then-Santos star was a better player than Barca’s No 10.
In reflecting today in the wake of Neymar’s move to the Camp Nou where he will line up alongside the Argentine, Pele looked to make clear his belief in his young compatriot.
“I never think that [Neymar is better], although when people ask me about the comparisons and who is the best, I'll say, ‘If you see Neymar, he doesn't have the same experience as Messi after 10 years at a club’,” the 72-year-old told Goal.com this week.
“Neymar has really gone up the last two years. He can use both feet good and get up in the air.
“The difference that I try to explain to the people is that both are really good. I love Messi, I love the player.
“But to make the comparison, I think Neymar has the capabilities to play better than Messi...or maybe not.”
Pele was asked if Neymar’s €57m transfer this summer was a good move.
“I'm not happy, because Santos lost a good player (laughs). But, seriously, I think it’s good for him, because Neymar was no doubt the best player in Brazil and then he gets the experience to play also abroad.
“To play in Europe is a little different than to play in South America. Football in Europe is a little more tough, while South America is a little more laid back and technical.”
Expectations are on Neymar to inspire Brazil next summer as the country host the 2014 World Cup.
“I think Brazil has an excellent opportunity to do well," Pele said. "To win [in the World Cup] is very hard in football, but the team has the players. The team had almost three years with Mano Menezes. Unfortunately, we didn't have a base.
“Now, one month with Felipe and [technical director Carlos Alberto] Parreira, they are excellent Coaches.
“Favourites? If you had to select now, one year before the World Cup, I think Germany would be a good surprise, they have a good team and good players, and Spain no doubt. Then Brazil.”

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