Ex-Man City midfielder reveals why Neymar surprised him more than Lionel Messi
Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images Fernando built a long career competing at the highest level in Europe. The Brazilian midfielder featured for clubs including Porto, Manchester City and Sevilla. He spent over seven years combined at Manchester City and Sevilla.
That period gave him regular exposure to elite opposition in domestic and European competitions. Among those challenges were encounters with Lionel Messi and Neymar. Facing both players at their peak left a lasting impression on the experienced midfielder.
Former Manchester City midfielder says Neymar surprised him more than Lionel Messi Photo by Steve Christo/Corbis via Getty Images Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Fernando revealed which of the two stars left the bigger impression. His answer highlighted Neymar’s unique qualities. “The player who surprised me the most, without a doubt, was Neymar,” he said.
“When I was studying him before facing Barcelona, I thought: ‘He’s skinny and I’ll go straight through his body. ’ But honestly, mate, his pace was unbelievable. ” “His change of direction is incredible.
For me, he was the most talented, the one who surprised me the most. ” Former Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano then questioned Fernando about Messi, and he replied: “With Messi, you already expect so much. But Neymar, in terms of carrying the ball, going one way, then the other, I’ve never seen anyone like him.