Past vs Present: Ronaldinho vs Neymar - Who is Brazil's greatest modern-day Number 10?

The Master and The ApprenticeWhat is it with Brazil and No. 10s? Right from the time a certain Edson Arantes Do Nascimento set the world alight in the 1958 World Cup, the country has produced a string of fabulous footballers following in the footsteps of that great man, better known as Pele.Also worn by other greats of the game like Zico, Rivelino and Rivaldo, the Selecao No. 10 shirt has an almost mystical feel to it. Three men have worn it with aplomb this century – Ronaldinho, Kaka and Neymar. And while the former Milan and Real Madrid superstar was the greatest player on earth during his heyday, he could never reproduce the same magic while playing for his country.So it’s a straight shootout between the master and the apprentice. Between the past and the present. Between Ronaldinho and Neymar.Let’s decode one of modern footall’s biggest debates. Let’s find out the greatest modern day No. 10 of Brazil!

#1 Goals

Ronaldinho was never much of a stats man. A master of the assist before the assist more than anything else, the long-haired Samba magician has still scored an astonishing 276 goals throughout his club career, with 166 assists to boot. This is a remarkable tally for a player who’s often been criticised for his lack of end product. His best goals were the ones he scored against Chelsea in 2005 and the ones in that incredible performance at the Bernabeu.

On the Selecao front, he’s scored 33 goals in 97 matches, with the brilliant free kick that deceived David Seaman in the 2002 World Cup standing out.

However, Neymar is a different animal as far as goals are concerned. The 23-year-old has amassed an incredible 42 goals already from just 60 matches, a tally that is more Ronaldo and Romario-esque than that of his contemporary in question. Needless to say, there’s every chance of him going on to triple figures for the Selecao.

Also, he has slowly started to find his feet at the Camp Nou with goals pouring in right now, albeit with the help of Leo Messi and Luis Suarez.

Winner – Neymar