"He deserves more respect than he gets" - Arsenal star Bukayo Saka claims Brazil legend is the most underrated player in the world
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has claimed that Brazil legend Neymar Jr. is the most underrated footballer in the world. The England international, currently representing the Three Lions in the Euros, has claimed that the Al-Hilal winger deserves more respect than he gets.
Neymar has been one of the most popular footballers in the world since his emergence at Santos at a very young age. He was considered the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi since his teenage days.
While Neymar has been a world-class winger with unparalleled flair and technique, he has not quite been able to live up to his potential entirely. The Brazilian superstar was tipped as a future Ballon d'Or winner but he only managed to finish third in the race for the prestigious award twice.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has claimed that he believes that Neymar doesn't get the credit he deserves. The Gunners attacker told talkSPORT as quoted by The Daily Mail:
"I think people talk about him but he should be spoken about more. He deserves more respect than he gets, personally that's what I feel."
Neymar is currently on the books of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal and previously played for Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He won six trophies at Santos, eight trophies at Barcelona, and 14 trophies at PSG while winning the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal in his debut season.
He is also Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals and 59 assists in 128 games. Currently aged 32, Neymar's best days are behind him as the Brazilian has struggled with injuries in recent years. He only featured five times for Al-Hilal last season missing the remaining games with an ACL injury.
Didi Hamann makes big claim regarding Arsenal star who has been excellent in Euro 2024
Former Liverpool midfielder turned television pundit Didi Hamann has claimed that Kai Havertz could become one of the best players in the world. The former Germany international has claimed that the Arsenal star boasts some traits that make him unique. Backing his compatriot to become a world-beater, Hamann said, as quoted by Chris Wheatly on X (formerly Twitter):
"I think Kai Havertz definitely has the potential to be one of the best players in the world if he can tidy up parts of his game. He's capable of producing something where everybody goes, wow. That's why you've got to give him a bit of leeway and peace."
Havertz has been regarded very highly since his young days at Bayer Leverkusen. However, the German has had a mixed spell in English football so far with Chelsea and Arsenal respectively.
The 25-year-old joined Arsenal from Chelsea last summer in a deal worth £65 million. Following a rather underwhelming start to life at the Emirates, he finished the season with 14 goals and seven assists in 51 games across competitions.