Barca captain, Xavi, has no doubt that his club made the best summer signing in La Liga this year.
According to Xavi, his team-mate Neymar, who scored his first Champions League goal and hat-trick in Europe in Barca’s 6-1 win over Celtic last night, has already proven himself in big games.
“There were some big signings for La Liga over the summer - but for me Neymar is clearly the best,” said the Spain international.
“He hasn’t just shown his quality but he has showed it in the big games like against Real Madrid - and that is where the big players really prove themselves.”
Neymar and Real Madrid’s record signing, Gareth Bale, are continuously compared in current football debates, but have both already shown they can help their respective new side’s.
The Brazilian has scored four goals and assisted another eight in his first 13 La Liga games this season. In addition to last night’s hat-trick, Neymar also assisted four Champions League goals in his six games so far.
Meanwhile his Madrid counterpart, Gareth Bale, currently stands on seven goals and seven assists in just nine La Liga games and 2 goals in five Champions League games.
Xavi reiterates that Neymar has already adapted to the European style of play and will soon be the world’s best.
“There were many people asking how he would adapt to European football - but I think we have seen very clearly how he has adapted. He is a great player, has a very good attitude, and will go on to be the best player in the world.”
“It is a big year for him with expectation at Barcelona and then a World Cup in his own country - but he has the confidence and the right attitude to handle it.”
Who is the better signing for you, Neymar or Bale? Debate with us in the comment section.