Neymar

Nov 3, 2014 18:10:30
The 22-year-old has impressed in his second
season at the club and one of his legendary
compatriots has tipped him for big things over the
rest of the campaign
Brazil legend Falcao believes the new captain of th
Selecao is set for a breakout season in Europe and
will soon stand alongside the greats of the modern
game
The 22-year-old, who has been handed the
captaincy by Brazil coach Dunga, has been in fine
form at the beginning of his second season in
Europe, netting 12 goals in 14 appearances for his
club Barcelona.
And Falcao, a star of the 1982 Selecao who also led
Brazil into World Cup 1990 as coach, believes that
this season could see the former Santos forward
cement his status alongside Lionel Messi and
Cristiano Ronaldo as the best in the world.
“I think that perhaps this could be Neymar’s
greatest year in Europe so far, because he already
has a year of experience,” Falcao told Lance!.
“I think this will be a good year for him. He's a
player that has everything it takes to become one o
the best in Europe.
“Of course, he has competitors. There is Cristiano
Ronaldo, who is scoring goals all the time [and]
Messi is a genius. The competition will be strong,
but I think he is able to compete them.”
Neymar stayed in Brazilian domestic football longe
than many expected, completing five seasons with
Santos before a record-breaking move to Spain in
the summer of 2013.
Falcao was among a host of critics suggesting that
his decision to remain in Brazil was a mistake, but
the former midfielder accepts it was a personal
decision.
“I thought [he should have left] earlier, and I said s
at the time,” Falcao continued.
“I thought he had to leave so he could experience a
different type of defensive marking by playing in
international competitions.
“This is my personal assessment, but I also said
that I saw Neymar so happy here. In interviews he
was so filled with joy… So I guess he had to be
happy, and I think staying made him happy.”