Pele: Neymar is just an ordinary player

Posted Thursday, February 21, 2013 by Goal.com

The three-time World Cup winner has launched a stinging attack on his compatriot, accusing him of underperforming for his country and being too concerned with his own image

Brazil and Santos legend Pele has criticised Neymar and says he is nothing more than an "ordinary player" for the national side.

The 21-year-old striker has been compared to his legendary compatriot, but the 72-year-old has revealed his belief that Neymar is overrated and too focused on his image.

"For the national team, he's just an ordinary player," Pele told O Estado de Sao Paulo.

"He's got a huge responsibility and his greatest concern is to change his style, change his haircut.

"Every match we have outside the country, he doesn't perform well. Everyone thinks he's supposed to be the answer to every problem we have in the national team [but] Neymar is not ready for that much weight, he can't do it."

Pele then added his belief that Neymar's disappointing displays for Brazil, in comparison to those with Santos, where he has won the Copa Libertadores, are down to a lack of exposure to European tactics.

"He doesn't play in a foreign country, and European football is very different from what we play here in South America," he continued.

"He wants to get the ball, dribble, use his skills [but] he needs to leave the ball a little, play for the team.

"He's very inexperienced internationally. Barcelona would be the ideal place for him [but] I don't think he will leave because Santos still need him."