Neymar Will Struggle to Reach Lionel Messi's Level, Says Cesc Fabregas

Former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes Neymar will succeed team-mate Lionel Messi as the best player in the world, but the Brazilian will struggle to reach the level of the four-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Speaking to Goal's Ignasi Oliva, the Chelsea star explained how he quickly noticed Neymar's incredible talent when the two worked together at the Camp Nou:

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Adaptation always takes time but you could already see the natural talent, his love for football and his amazing skills. You could see that he would reach this level sooner or later.

I think it will be difficult [for Neymar to reach Messi's level] but when Leo retires from football in a few years, I think Neymar will be the one who reigns.

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Neymar is enjoying a fantastic start to the 2015-16 campaign, both in La Liga and the Champions League, and with Messi missing a number of matches due to injury, the Brazilian has really established himself as La Liga's most in-form player.

Per Squawka Football, his numbers look absolutely sensational:

Neymar's talent has never been a doubt―he was already Brazil's biggest star when he joined Barcelona in 2013, and after an inconsistent start, he settled down and exploded during the 2014-15 season.

The 23-year-old played a vital role in Barcelona's treble-winning season, scoring an incredible 10 goals in the Champions League, per WhoScored.com. Paired with Messi and Suarez, Neymar became an unstoppable attacking force, and his momentum has carried over into this campaign.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Messi's long-term injury gave fans a glimpse of the future and what the Blaugrana may look like with Neymar running the show. Before, this was always Messi's team, but for the first time the Santos man showed he can lead the side without the help of the Argentinian.

Per Lee Roden of ESPN FC, the Catalans' next task has to be finding a way to keep Neymar's impact from shrinking now that Messi is back:

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Messi will continue to decide games for Barca and hold a major influence on the direction of their attack, but if Luis Enrique can also maintain Neymar's match-winning influence and continue his growth as a playmaker, the Catalans will be all the better for it.

That ideal balance was found at the first attempt on Tuesday but maintaining it will be trickier.

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Messi made his first start since September on Tuesday, scoring twice and adding an assist in the 6-1 demolition of Roma. He could have scored a hat-trick when the Blaugrana were awarded a penalty, but he instead handed the ball to Neymar, who promptly missed.

Suarez also scored twice, and as things stand, the attacking trident that powered the club last year looks just as strong in 2015-16. Messi will likely start soaking up the headlines again before long, but Neymar showed his abilities as a leader and a main scorer in his absence—a sign he will be ready to become the main star once Messi retires.

There are other young players out there who would love to take over the mantle of the world's best player―Paul Pogba and James Rodriguez come to mind―but none of them have accomplished what Neymar has by the age of 23. The Brazilian certainly is the favourite to take the title, although it won't be easy living up to a legend like Messi.

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