Alves annoints Neymar as Messi's successor

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Barcelona attacker Neymar can fill the huge void left by the injured Lionel Messi, according to team-mate Dani Alves.

Messi, 26, faces up to two months on the sidelines after tearing his hamstring in Barcelona's 4-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday.

Alves believes Neymar, who joined the Catalan club from Santos in the off-season, is capable of stepping up in Messi's absence.

Neymar has scored four goals since joining Barca, while Messi had netted eight in 11 league matches before his injury.

"Neymar is always ready," Alves told Globoesporte.

"He knows how important he is for Barca and that he was bought just in case something like this happened.

"With Messi out injured, someone has to take over his role and Neymar is ready to do that.

"For the player he is and for the quality he has, he's the right man for the job and I am sure that he will respond positively."