Neymar is going to be greatest hails Cesar
NEYMAR is ready to lead Brazil to World Cup glory – and become the greatest footballer on the planet.
That is the message from veteran Brazil keeper Julio Cesar ahead of his country’s friendly clash with England at Wembley on Tuesday.
Although the ex-QPR star, 38, admits Argentina ace Lionel Messi remains the best of the lot, he reckons Neymar, 25 (below) is close to taking his crown.
And he believes the former Barcelona forward’s rise to the top could coincide with Brazil, now managed by Tite, conquering all in Russia next summer.
Benfica stopper Cesar, capped 87 times, said: “Brazil have a very good chance of winning the World Cup.
“We have a coach who is doing a great job.
“And for me, Neymar is the best player in the world today. Messi? I said the world – Messi is from another planet!
“But I think this is Neymar’s moment. The whole world is following him. Even people who don’t follow football are interested in Neymar.
“They admire him, not only for what he does on the pitch but for how he carries himself off it. I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”
Brazil will have a number of Premier League faces on show this week – including Manchester City’s new keeper Ederson.
The £35m summer signing from Benfica has been superb for Pep Guardiola’s unbeaten outfit this season – and Cesar is more than happy with his successor on the international stage.
He added: “Ederson is a goalkeeper who is improving all the time. He’s ready to play in the World Cup.
“He’s got all the ingredients to be the best keeper in the world.”