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In an exclusive interview with Goal Chelsea midfielder, Cesc Fabregas is of the opinion that his former teammate Neymar is the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne at Camp Nou. However, the Spaniard remains skeptical and has admitted it will be difficult for the Brazillian ace to match his attacking partner’s consistent level of performances over such a long time.
The 28-year-old Messi is undoubtedly one of the best players in the game’s history and this is evident through the number of Ballon d’Or awards he has bagged over the past years. He has reached unimaginable heights and milestones with the Catalan side and many have tipped him to win his fifth award at the 2015 ceremony next January.
Meanwhile, his teammate Neymar has been equally outstanding for the Spanish champions this season during his absence, thus making him one of the hot favourites to be listed in the top three players for football’s most prestigious individual honour.
According to Fabregas, the Brazil would find it extremely ‘difficult’ to match Messi’s level of consistency for the Spanish champions, but he has praised Neymar, claiming that he’s the next in line to be the world’s outstanding individual player.
“That will be very difficult, we are talking about Messi who already at 21 years old had won the Ballon d'Or,” Fabregas replied if the former Santos forward can match Messi’s level.
“That does not usually happen. So the level Leo has been showing for the last 10 or 12 years is incomparable with any player ever.”
“I am young, and cannot talk about Pele or [Diego] Maradona. But I doubt that any player in history has been so important, so good, every three days, for their team, as Leo has.”
“It will be difficult, but when Leo drops his level in a few years' time, Neymar will be the one to reign.”
Neymar was always going to be a huge success at Barca: Fabregas
It has taken some time for the Brazillian to settle down in Spain and show his class– the high level of quality he has been displaying on the pitch in the past couple of months. The former Arsenal skipper has admitted he’s not surprised and has insisted that it was only natural for him since he made the big move at a very young age.
“[Neymar] was always going to triumph at Barca, with the talent he has,” Fabregas added.
“The first season, coming from Brazil so young, and having injuries, so it cost him a bit to settle in.”
“But with his natural talent, how much he loves football, the things he can do with the ball, you already saw he would reach this level sooner or later.”
