Neymar compares unexpected PSG "genius" to Xavi and Andreas Iniesta

Neymar has called his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Marco Verratti a "genius" and compared him to Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.

Neymar has played alongside the Italian international midfielder since joining the club from the Catalan giants in the summer of 2017.

Verratti combines technical excellence with a relentless work rate renowned for his range of passing ability, vision, and control on the ball.

The central midfielder has played a key role in PSG's success since his switch from Italian club Pescara in 2012 and was a pivotal part of Italy's Euro 2020 success.

Verratti has won 27 trophies with the French club including seven Ligue 1 titles, while helping them to the Champions League final in 2020 against Bayern Munich.

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Xavi and Iniesta helped Barca become one of the best club sides of all time ( Image:

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Neymar has now lavished praise on the Italian international and has compared him to his former Barca teammates Xavi and Iniesta, widely recognised as among the best central midfielders of all time.

The Brazilian forward said, in quotes carried by Football Italia : "Two of them, [Kylian] Mbappe and Verratti. Mbappe is young, fast, a great player. I knew Verratti was an excellent player, but I didn't realise he was so spectacular. A genius.

"He's one of the best midfielders I've played with, along with Xavi and Iniesta."

The 28-year-old has nine goals in 353 appearances with PSG with a contract at the Parc des Princes through to the summer of 2024.

The Italian international - who has been capped 48 times by the Azzurri - has previously been linked with a move to Barca during his career but he continued to commit his future to the French club.

Neymar also spoke about Lionel Messi, who joined him in the France capital this summer after leaving Barcelona.

Messi has penned a two-year contract at PSG after leaving the Camp Nou this summer, meaning that he was reunited with his close friend Neymar after spending four years at rival clubs.

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Neymar added: "I am really happy to have Messi at PSG. He is not only an idol but also an ace, a genius and a friend. When you have friends by your side the day is lighter and more relaxed.

"Hopefully, we'll write history as we did at Barcelona."

Neymar and Messi will be hoping to win many more titles together now during their time in Paris but the role of Verratti is likely to be vital for any success for Mauricio Pochettino's side.