Neymar is one of the most talented and celebrated footballers in the world, but he wouldn’t walk into the starting XI of any team, according to pundit and former Arsenal defender Martin Keown.
The Brazilian superstar has been linked with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with a return to Barcelona or a switch to Real Madrid both mooted.
However, Keown believes that the 28-year-old would not be guaranteed a place in any team’s starting line-up, including his former club Arsenal.
“Neymar is world-class, but he wouldn’t walk into any team’s starting XI,” Keown told talkSPORT.
“He wouldn’t walk into Arsenal’s starting XI, he wouldn’t walk into Barcelona’s starting XI, he wouldn’t walk into Real Madrid’s starting XI.
“He’s a great player, but he’s not the finished article. He’s not the complete player.
“He’s a great dribbler, he’s got great skill, he’s got great vision, but he’s not the complete player. He’s not the finished article.”
Neymar has been linked with a move away from PSG this summer, with reports suggesting that the French champions are willing to let him leave for the right price.
The Brazilian has been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he spent four years between 2013 and 2017, as well as a move to Real Madrid.
However, Keown believes that Neymar would not be guaranteed a place in any team’s starting line-up, including his former club Arsenal.
“Neymar is a great player, but he’s not the finished article,” Keown said.
“He’s a great dribbler, he’s got great skill, he’s got great vision, but he’s not the complete player. He’s not the finished article.
“He’s not the type of player who would walk into any team’s starting XI. He’s not the type of player who would walk into Arsenal’s starting XI, he’s not the type of player who would walk into Barcelona’s starting XI, he’s not the type of player who would walk into Real Madrid’s starting XI.
“He’s a great player, but he’s not the finished article. He’s not the complete player.”
Keown’s comments come as Neymar continues to be linked with a move away from PSG this summer.
The Brazilian has been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he spent four years between 2013 and 2017, as well as a move to Real Madrid.
However, Keown believes that Neymar would not be guaranteed a place in any team’s starting line-up, including his former club Arsenal.
“Neymar is a great player, but he’s not the finished article,” Keown said.
“He’s a great dribbler, he’s got great skill, he’s got great vision, but he’s not the complete player. He’s not the finished article.
“He’s not the type of player who would walk into any team’s starting XI. He’s not the type of player who would walk into Arsenal’s starting XI, he’s not the type of player who would walk into Barcelona’s starting XI, he’s not the type of player who would walk into Real Madrid’s starting XI.
“He’s a great player, but he’s not the finished article. He’s not the complete player.”
Keown’s comments come as Neymar continues to be linked with a move away from PSG this summer.
The Brazilian has been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he spent four years between 2013 and 2017, as well as a move to Real Madrid.
However, Keown believes that Neymar would not be guaranteed a place in any team’s starting line-up, including his former club Arsenal.
Keown believes that the 28-year-old would not be able to displace the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe in the Gunners’ attack.
“He’s a great player, but he’s not the finished article,” Keown said.
“He’s not the type of player who would walk into Arsenal’s starting XI. He’s not the type of player who would displace Aubameyang, Lacazette or Pepe.
“He’s a great player, but he’s not the finished article. He’s not the complete player. He’s not the type of player who would walk into any team’s starting XI.”
Keown believes that Neymar would be best served by staying at PSG, where he has been since 2017, and continuing to develop his game.
“I think he should stay at PSG and continue to develop his game,” Keown said.
“He’s a great player, but he’s not the finished article. He’s not the complete player. He’s not the type of player who would walk into any team’s starting XI.
“He needs to stay at PSG and continue to develop his game. He needs to work on his defensive game, he needs to work on his decision-making, he needs to work on his leadership.
“He’s a great player, but he’s not the finished article. He’s not the complete player.”