Ramalho Praises Neymar Ahead of Santos's Club World Cup Semifinal

Santos coach Muricy Ramalho claimed Neymar’s talent was comparable to that of Brazil legends Zico, Rivelino and French midfielder Zinedine Zidane. In an interview with Globoesporte.com, Ramalho claimed that Neymar’s talent was “absurd” and stemmed from his ability to “see a play before others do.” Ramalho made his remarks ahead of Santos’s initial game in the Club World Cup against Kashiwa Resyol on Wednesday. In the other Club World Cup semifinal, Barcelona play Al-Sadd on Thursday. If Santos and Barcelona both win their respective matches, the final of the Club World Cup will feature a mouthwatering clash between Santos and Barcelona, and by extension, Neymar vs. Lionel Messi. Ramalho conceded that Barcelona would always garner at least 65% of ball possession but noted that Santos could win based on Neymar's brilliance, slick passing from Elano and Ganso, and aerial balls that destabilize Barca's defense.