Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar is on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to a Brazilian football legend.
Read: 'Maradona's Impact Was Bigger Than Messi's'
Neymar has been widely been tipped to replace Ronaldo and Messi as the world's best footballer over the next few years.
However, the 26-year-old finished outside the top 10 of the Ballon d'Or voting for 2018 after struggling to make a big impact on the big stage for Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil.
However, former Brazil star Zico feels his countryman is on the same level as the Argentine and the Portuguese.
"Neymar doesn't play in this role [as a 10]," Zico said to Omnisport. "He is a wing player, and always has been. They [clubs] give him a number 10 because there is a big meaning in life of a great name of the Brazilian team. "Maybe, the only one that went out of this was Romario, a born striker that had the option for 11. But, every forward from every club chose the number 10 because it was the big representing of the great name of the club. The clubs themselves made a point of it. "So, the number 10 jersey had a weight, not only in the national team, but in Brazil. The big reference. He was the team's star, so he received the number 10. "I think Neymar has this situation, [it is] obvious he has more pressure. Every great player is more outstanding in the victory, but has more pressure in defeats. But he is an exceptional player. He has a talent like few in world football. I put him at the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi." Read: Barca Boss: What Has Impressed Me Most About Messi Do you agree with Zico? Have your say in the comment section below.
