Brazil Superstar Neymar has named Manchester City left-back Kyle Walker as the toughest defender he has faced.
Paris Saint Germain’s number 10 also praised the intelligence and toughness of Premier League defenders Virgil van Dijk, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Dias, and Raphael Varane.
Neymar is enjoying a credible start this season.
He has scored 11 goals and provided 7 assists in 10 matches already this season.
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What did Neymar say?
The Brazilian international in an exclusive interview with DAZN said about Virgil van Dijk: “Playing against Van Dijk is tough because as a center-back, he’s so strong and intelligent.
“He knows when it’s the right time to close you down and when to go in for a tackle. That makes it harder. He’s intelligent. It’s harder to play against intelligent center-backs. They don’t make mistakes.”
On Ruben Dias, he said: “Ruben Dias is a very good center-back. He’s quick and strong,”
Commenting on Chelsea‘s new number 26 Kalidou Koulibaly, Neymar added: “quick” and “very” strong.
On Raphael Varane, the Brazilian international said: “He’s a very good center-back.
“He’s quick and intelligent. His positioning is very good. He’s a top player.
“He hardly ever makes mistakes. That’s why he’s won so much.”
Asked who is the toughest defender he has faced, Neymar picked Kyle Walker, saying: “He is fast, strong and intelligent.”
Neymar also describes Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger as scary and stronger.
“I like him a lot. He is a scary center-back.
“He’s very big and strong. Some strikers get a bit scared.
“I don’t, but I think a lot of strikers get a bit scared.”