Belgum right-back Thomas Meunier insists he does not know how to stop Neymar as he prepares to take on his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate in Friday’s World Cup quarter-final clash with Brazil.
Neymar remains Brazil’s best attacking weapon and he scored to help his side beat Mexico 2-0 in their last-16 clash on Monday.
The forward predominately plays down the left for Selecao, meaning he will come face-to-face with team-mate Meunier this week.
Brazil remain the 2.15 favourites to beat Belgium, with the draw 3.40 and Roberto Martinez’s men priced at 3.50.
Belgium’s chances of winning will be boosted if they silence Neymar but Meunier insists he does not know how he will try and tame him.
He told Globo Esporte: “I do not know how to stop Neymar — he is very unpredictable. He is probably the best player I have ever played alongside or against.
“I will do my best, and I know that we have a chance, but I also know that it will be very difficult to stop them – not just Neymar. Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus and Marcelo — the whole team.”
Neymar has been heavily criticised for his antics over in Russia but former team-mate Luis Suarez has leapt to his defence. The Barcelona man has defended his friend and admits he is a player who polarises opinion.
He told reporters: “Everybody knows Neymar’s class – he is an admirable and spectacular player. There will always be critics – there are people who love him and people who do not like him.”
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