"Only Messi technically better than him" - Don Hutchison makes brilliant claim about 30-year-old superstar and says he 'would not fit into Liverpool's system'
Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison has claimed that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Neymar is only second to club team-mate Lionel Messi in terms of technical ability.
The 30-year-old, who joined PSG from Barcelona in a record-breaking €222 million deal in 2017, has been tipped to depart the Ligue 1 club this summer, as per Mirror.
New head coach Christophe Galtier and new sporting director Luis Campos having recently taken charge, and Neymar might just be moved on by the club. Chelsea are strongly tipped to sign him, as per ESPN.
Neymar, who registered 181 goal contributions in 186 matches for Barcelona, has failed to deliver the Champions League to PSG after moving to Paris in a blockbuster move.
The Brazilian seemingly wanted to escape the shadow of the Argentine ace five years ago, but has now found himself back to square one. La Pulga joined him at PSG last season from Barca.
Speaking to ESPN, Hutchison opened up on the transfer saga involving the Brazil international. He said:
"No, I don't think [Neymar gets unwanted flak]. I think he must put his head on the pillow every night and think 'why on earth did I make that move when I was flying at Barcelona, with Messi and [Luis] Suarez, to go to PSG?' No disrespect to PSG. I read all the headlines back in the day. He wanted to be out of Messi's shadow and win a Ballon d'Or. But it never felt like the right move."
Neymar wishing Lionel Messi happy birthday on Instagram. https://t.co/JA8e0jAsNk
He continued:
"He was flying, at his peak and he was nearly untouchable. Then he made the move. He has had some horrendous ankle operations and long-term injuries he has struggled to come back from. He likes a bit of lifestyle away."
Speaking about Neymar's potential suitors, he added:
"He is a talent. In his pomp, there was only Messi technically better than him. He was that good. You look at the top four teams outside of England, no one can afford him. Then there are teams like Liverpool, who don't really want him because he wouldn't fit into their system."
Lionel Messi hopes Neymar stays at PSG: Reports
According to La Nacion (via Le10Sport), seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi is keen to continue playing alongside his friend and fellow forward Neymar at PSG. The two won two La Ligas, three Copa del Reys and one Champions League together at Barca.
The 35-year-old reportedly wants to extend the two players' reunion in Paris, but it's unknown whether his opinion will tilt the scales.