Cruyff: Neymar is easier to defend than Messi

Barcelona legendary coach and player, Johann Cruyff may refuse to associate with the club in an official capacity, but the outspoken Dutchman is never short of opinions on the current squad, which in recent months has been the topic of Neymar.

In a recent interview with Catalan daily, Ara, Cruyff spoke about the Brazilian youngster that has lit up the Camp Nou in his first several weeks with the club, stating that Leo Messi is still far more difficult to defend against than Neymar.

“Neymar is easier to defend against than Messi” because of his height. [Messi] shields the ball with his body and the defence find it harder to get a grip on him because he is smaller.”

However, Cruyff did praised Neymar stating that he’s “had a good start” and that “time will tell” how he does this season, but his quality should “help” link up with Messi and Xavi, the former being vital for Barcelona, because the Catalan “sets the tempo for Barça” and “everything changes” when he’s out of the line-up.