Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has admitted that he believes Neymar is currently the best player in world football, and that he would succeed in the Premier League if he moved to England.
According to the Star, Ronaldinho has not been surprised by the Barcelona winger's excellent form over the past year - and especially the season so far. Neymar has scored 13 goals in 14 games and made seven assists for the European champions this season, and has inspired Barca to a series of victories with main talisman Lionel Messi out injured.
The Brazilian however has been linked with a move to the Premier League, and Manchester United held talks over the player's availability during the summer. While Barcelona remained firm they did not want to sell, in recent days the player's father has conceded he may look at a transfer in the future because of the ongoing investigation into his tax affairs.
It was reported at the time that United would have had to have paid £140m to land Neymar from Barca, though the player has been in talks with the club over a new contract recently.
Nevertheless, Ronaldinho thinks the 23-year-old could cut it in the Premier League if such a move did come about. He said: "Neymar, currently on form, is the best player in the world.
"His rise has not surprised me at all. Even when he was a kid his ability was obvious. At the age he is, I still have every belief he can go on to get better and better. Now he has reached the level of the best in the world, he can stay there for five or six years, comfortably.
"He could and would succeed at any league in the world. Of course, there are always transition periods. But when you have that much ability you will succeed in any league in any country.
"England is not an easy league to succeed in, but yes of course he would be a success there. I can’t see why Barcelona would want to allow him to leave, but if he was to, I’m sure that it would have to be for a record fee."
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