‘Neymar, Ronaldo and Messi are the three best players’, says Casemiro

Brazil star midfielder Casemiro said that his national side team mate Neymar alongside Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi are the three best players in the world. Ronaldo and Neymar are “exceptional players”, with the duo rated at the same level as Messi by Casemiro.

Neymar who recovered from an injury just before the World Cup is yet to display his true potential in the World’s biggest stage. He was heavily criticized for his underwhelming performance in Brazil’s shock 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their opener but managed to score a goal against Costa Rica in the dying minutes of the game. However, the 26-year old forward had put in a dazzling performance in the game against Serbia as his trickery with the ball and dribbling mesmerized the Brazil fans all around the world.

Ronaldo made his mark in the World Cup as he started his campaign with a stunning hat trick against Spain in Portugal’s opener and also scored the winner for his country against Morocco in their second match of the group stage. Messi, on the other hand just managed to score only one goal in this World Cup as Argentina somehow avoided elimination after their 2-1 win against Nigeria.

However, according to reports from Goal.com, Brazil and Real Madrid star midfielder Casemiro insisted that Neymar is on the same level as Cristiano and Messi who have 10 Ballon d’Or trophies between them.

“Well, the two players are exceptional players,” Casemiro told reporters of Ronaldo and Neymar, as reported by Goal.com.

“The two of them can change the result of a game at any point. In my opinion, they come from another world.

“They are among the three best in the world: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar are the three best players in the world and I'm happy I have one of them playing alongside me.

“And so, speaking about Neymar, he can change the result of a game at any point in time and that’s why he’s considered one of the three best in the world.” Casemiro continued.

Brazil are rated by many as the favourites to win the World Cup and add to their five titles, but Casemiro said that status will not be important for Tite's side.

“With all due respect, you [the media] are the ones talking about favourites,” Casemiro added. “We players are very well aware that being a favourite won't win you a game, that your jersey won't win you a game.

“We have played for teams that are considered favourites as well. We're used to being considered favourites, but with all due respect and very humbly, we know that we have a good team but we have to play very well to beat Mexico.” Casemiro concluded.