Neymar Can Be as Good as Messi, Ronaldo, Kaka, Zico and Me, Says Pele

There was already some serious hype around Brazilian teenager Neymar, the 19-year-old Santos superstar who's been targeted by the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea this summer.

He's been called "the next Pele, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo rolled into one," and the game's grand statesman himself was adding to the excitement about his countryman yesterday.

"He is a good player, there's no doubt. He will be like a Kaka, a Messi, of that there is no doubt. Or a Ronaldo, a Zico, a Pele," Pele told Press Association Sport.

"He is an excellent player. I hope that he does [reach his potential]."

Pele added that he hopes Neymar stays in Brazil with Santos until the 2014 World Cup, but admitted it will be "very difficult" for his former club to keep him.

"He's a good player who could play in any team but it's hard to say if he'll come to Europe or not. Last year he had the same proposals but he decided to play another year in Brazil," Pele said.

"I think it was good for him because to play in England I think it would have been a little complicated for him. The style of Neymar, in England, Germany, Italy it's a little complicated because the marking is very tight."

Neymar was subject to an offer from Chelsea last summer, and has been one of the biggest stories in this summer's window. But for now, it appears he'll be staying put at Santos.

Having impressed in Brazil's domestic league, Neymar has furthered his reputation with his confident steps into the national side. He scored on his debut against the U.S., and bagged two more in a friendly win against Scotland at The Emirates.

His star was sent further into the stratosphere with a double for Brazil in their Copa America win against Ecuador.