Former Real Madrid defender Juanfran Moreno has named ex-Barcelona star Neymar Junior over Lionel Messi as the toughest opponent he has ever faced.
During a chat with Spanish sports website Relevo, Juanfran was queried whether Messi is the most brutal player he has played against. The former Real Betis and CD Leganes star replied:
“Personally, because of my position on the pitch, which was right-back, the most brutal, the most difficult to defend was Neymar. He tortured the right-back. I would put him in jail and not get him out because he tortured you, I mean he would catch you, he would stop you, he would pull you away and there would be a moment when you could see his feet, but not the ball.”
Juanfran, who represented Real Madrid just twice as a player, added:
“And then, obviously, I don’t like to single out Messi or Cristiano [Ronaldo]. Both have marked an era in football. They are two brutal players. There will be those of us who like Messi more and others more Cristiano, but they are the two best players in history by far. There is no one who comes close to them.”
Neymar, whose Al-Hilal contract will expire next June, moved to Barcelona from Brazilian side Santos in the summer of 2013. The 32-year-old registered 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 total games for the Catalans before leaving in 2017.
The former Paris Saint-Germain forward formed a good relationship with Messi at Barcelona. He shared the pitch with the Inter Miami superstar 161 times at the Blaugrana, contributing 56 joint goal participations in the process.
Barcelona great reveals post-retirement plans
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has revealed that he is pursuing his coaching qualifications following his retirement from the sport earlier this October. He told Spanish news agency EFE (h/t Barca Universal):
“I want to learn a bit about everything that football involves. I’m also working on the whole coaching title issue and also enjoying other things, which you can’t do when you’re in the profession. I’m looking forward to this next step. I will try to stay involved in the world of football.”
Iniesta, who helped Spain lift three trophies, made a staggering 674 overall appearances for Barcelona between 2002 and 2018. He helped his boyhood club win 32 trophies, contributing 57 goals and 135 assists along the way.
The 40-year-old last played for UAE Pro League outfit Emirates Club.