Neymar could become as good as Lionel Messi, says Barcelona winger Pedro
FC Barcelona forward Pedro has said that he isn't sure if he would remain in the Catalan giants setup at the end of the current season. The 27-year-old Spaniard has featured in 20 out of the 21 games that the club has played so far this season in the La Liga, but significantly through, has played just 3 full matches and has been used as a substitute on 10 occasions by manager Luis Enrique.
He, however, said that he understands the fact that the club boasts of a world class forward line with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez and hence doesn't wish to leave them, despite, not getting sufficient opportunities to showcase his talent.
"Every year it's complicated to play here because I'm competing against the best players on the planet. It's difficult to be 100 percent happy, but I feel comfortable here,” he was quoted as saying by AS.
“Those [of] us who have fewer minutes want to play. I don't know if they'll ask me to leave. I'm happy here and I want to continue but I don't know what might happen tomorrow. We'll talk at the end of the season.
"The players that are here are very important players and they score a lot of goals. I can only work hard and try to help the team.
“We've been working the same as we always do but we're in a good dynamic in terms of results and morale. We are on a good run and we're all in good shape physically. Hopefully we'll have something to show for it at the end of the season,” he added.
When he was asked what he thought with about the manager looking to play him as a defender, Pedro said that he has never played in that position all through his career, but added that he was willing to play as a right back for the team’s cause.
“I've never played there, although I have played at left-back in training for Spain. But I'm a forward.It's difficult to play there because you have to watch your line with the centre-backs, defend. ... It's not my natural position but if they want to convert me I'll be happy to do it,” he said.
Suarez putting in the hard yards: Pedro
Luis Suarez hasn't had the best of times so far in his maiden season at the Nou Camp, but the forward said that the Uruguayan is working very hard during the training sessions and is adjusting to the surroundings very well.
"The first season is always difficult but he's full of beans. He's giving it everything and he's scored some important goals. Maybe he's been a bit unlucky, but he's adapting well,” he said.
He also praised Brazilian sensation Neymar, saying that the 23-year-old has huge potential and he could reach the same level as his teammate and fellow forward Lionel Messi in time to come.
"Neymar could get to the same level; he's a great player and full of confidence. If he carries on like this, he'll be the best in the world. We congratulated him today because it's his birthday. He's happy here and that's important for the team,” the Spaniard said.
There’s a long way to go still: Pedro
Speaking about the present situation in the league standings, Pedro said that there’s a lot of games left to be played and added that it would certainly help their cause if Real Madrid lose a few games in the coming weeks.
If we fall seven points behind it will difficult to pull them back, but there are a lot of games left and they have some tough away trips, as do we. It's a difficult game, but we have to think about ourselves. If [Madrid] slip up, it would be welcome,” he concluded.