Neymar names toughest defender he’s ever faced and says ex-Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger ‘strikes fear into you’
NEYMAR has named the toughest defender that he’s played against.
The Paris Saint-Germain star is used to taking plenty of hits from defensive enforcers due to his style of play and flair.
Usually the Brazilian can still bamboozle those trying to stop him – but he finds some defenders more difficult than others to outdo.
Quizzed by DAZN’s Semra Hunter about who the toughest defender he’s ever faced one-on-one is – he had high praise for a Manchester City stalwart.
He said: “[Kyle] Walker. Because he’s fast, strong and intelligent.”
Neymar, 30, was then asked about a series of other defensive stars.
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On former Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger, he said: “He’s a centre-back who strikes fear into you.
“He’s very strong and big. Some forwards get a bit scared.”
On Virgil van Dijk he gushed: “Playing against Van Dijk is tough because as a centre-back he’s so strong and intelligent.
“He knows when it’s the right time to close you down and when to go in for a tackle. That makes it harder.”
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Neymar also spoke well of Ruben Dias, saying: “He is a very good centre-back.
“He’s quick and very strong. He has quality as well so that makes it hard to play against him.”
On Kalidou Koulibaly he then added: “The same. He’s very quick and very strong.”
Moving on to Manchester United star Raphael Varane, he said: “I’ve played against Varane many times.
“He’s a very good centre-back. He’s quick and intelligent. His positioning is very good. He’s a top player.
“He almost never gets it wrong. That’s why he’s won so much.”
RON ANSWER
During the Q&A Neymar was also asked to describe a series of attacking stars in one word.
And he said the exact same thing about Lionel Messi AND Cristiano Ronaldo.
Quizzed first about his Argentine PSG team-mate, Neymar said: “Genius.”
Then asked about Ronaldo, Neymar again responded: “Genius.”
This prompted laughter from Hunter, who joked: “They’re going to get annoyed!”
Neymar was next asked about Luis Suarez, once again cheekily answering: “Genius!”
