Luis Enrique Compares Neymar to Ronaldinho, Talks Lionel Messi, Barcelona, More

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has heaped praise on star player Neymar, hailing him as "unique and special," not to mention comparable to club legend Ronaldinho.

On Sunday, the Brazil captain netted his 10th and 11th goals in La Liga this season against Villarreal as he remained in immense form in the absence of the injured Lionel Messi, per WhoScored.com.

Enrique confirmed after the 3-0 victory at the Camp Nou that Messi is nearing a return to action. He also said Neymar called to mind Ronaldinho in his heyday, per Football Espana:

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I was lucky to play with Ronaldinho. In training, we used to stay behind and watch him kick the ball about. [Him and Neymar] are unique and special players. We also watch Neymar kick the ball about. [Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi] are two of the most decisive players around and it’s essential that there’s a good relationship between them and the team. The whole team always seek cohesion and harmony. I’m privileged to only have players focused on collective work. [Messi’s] still in the recovery process. He only has two weeks left [and will be back] either before or after the game against Real Madrid.

"

Messi's long-term absence has exposed a lack of depth in Barca's attacking unit, but the form of Neymar and Suarez has more than made up for it.

The duo have been remarkably consistent in front of goal of late, and they both found the net again in Sunday's defeat of Villarreal, which saw Barca move to the top of the La Liga table, per BBC Sport:

Neymar's second goal on Sunday was a thing of beauty, a volley on the turn which echoed a similar strike from Ronaldinho against Osasuna in 2004, per Toni Juanmarti of Spanish outlet Sport.

BreatheSport also noted the similarities between the Brazilian pair's goals:

"

Ronaldinho vs Neymar. It's a Brazilian thing... pic.twitter.com/7mr8SGN24X

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) November 9, 2015"

At just 23 years old, Neymar is already undoubtedly one of the most devastating attacking forces in world football and he has taken up the mantle in impressive fashion during Messi's time on the sidelines.

Following the upcoming international break, Barca will head to the Bernabeu for the first El Clasico of the season against Real Madrid.

Victory against Los Blancos would see Enrique's men move six points clear of their bitter rivals at the top of the league standings.

Neymar and Suarez have been so impressive recently that Barcelona have a good chance of getting a victory in Madrid even if Messi has not returned from injury by Nov. 21.