Wayne Rooney has stated that he does not consider Neymar Jr to be on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, despite Neymar’s successful time at Barcelona.
The discussion about Neymar’s place among football greats has persisted even after his best years, especially when compared to Messi and Ronaldo.
Rooney’s comments clarify his perspective on the difference in their statuses.
Photo by Chris Ricco – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Wayne Rooney on Neymar vs Messi, Ronaldo Comparison
On The Overlap podcast, Rooney expressed his thoughts on Neymar’s standing among the best in football.
“I like Neymar but I’ve never seen him as a top, top player. Like, Messi, Ronaldo, that kind of category,” he said.
This remark suggests that while Neymar has talent, he doesn’t reach the same level as the two legends, highlighting the difference in their consistency and impact.
Rooney on Neymar’s Status at Barcelona
Rooney also mentioned that Neymar’s time at Barcelona influenced how he is perceived.
“He was good at Barcelona, but he was still overshadowed by Messi,” Rooney noted.
This highlights Neymar’s contributions in a team where Messi was the standout player, affecting how his achievements are evaluated.
For Rooney, this context matters; it affects how Neymar’s peak performance is viewed against those of players who dominated their teams.
In summary, while Rooney acknowledges Neymar’s skill, he believes he doesn’t quite reach the level of Messi and Ronaldo.
Add Footem.in As your Preferred Source on Google
Follow the latest on Footem WhatsApp Channel
