Roberto Carlos has tipped Barcelona and Brazil superstar Neymar to be the world's best player in the next two to three years.
Neymar's Barca team-mate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo are widely considered to have been the two best talents on the planet, with no other playing winning the Ballon d'Or award during the last seven years.
But former Brazil star Carlos, who represented Barca's rivals Madrid for 11 years between 1996 and 2007 during a distinguished career, believes his compatriot has the talent to break that mould in the coming seasons.
"To say that I prefer Neymar is to change those ideas that only Messi or Cristiano can be the best soccer player in the world," Carlos told Onda Cero.
"Neymar is a great player and a friend who I have seen grow. I hope the people of Madrid do not get angry at me. Within two to three years Neymar will be number one in the world."
"I am working and learning here in order to come back as Real Madrid boss or head coach with Brazil, where I played for 17 years," he said.
"I think the doors to both are open to me. If the time ever comes for me to return to Real Madrid, I'll do it gladly."
Carlos, though, was in no mood to join in with the criticism, saying: "I'd never criticise a coach of Benitez's calibre. If he's at Real Madrid, he must bring something to the table."
