Neymar is back in the Brazil squad and the talented attacker is gearing up for his first appearance for the national team since the injury that ruled him out of the Copa America. It will also be his first game of the season due to his situation with PSG.
Speaking ahead of the clash between the five-time World Cup champions and rivals Colombia, head coach Tite spoke of the importance of the 27-year-old. After his absence from the summer continental tournament, which the Selecao won, many began wondering if there was any need for the world's most expensive player's presence in the national team setup.
Tite has moved quickly to silence the doubters, stressing the importance of Neymar to the champions of South America. In his eyes, only two players in the entire world are better than Brazi's number 10 and they are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking ahead of the game, the gaffer first highlighted that the former Barcelona man, who was involved in a prolonged transfer saga involving the Blaugrana and Real Madrid, is fully fit.
"He has recovered from the injury that as everyone remembers removed him from the Copa America," Tite said, as per Fox Sports.
"If he wasn't fit, he wouldn't be with the national team. We are not irresponsible to force a situation when it concerns the athlete's health. Me and the coaching staff will be very attentive to his development. He is ready, he is capable of doing what the team needs."
The manager then went on to discuss the issue of Neymar's ranking in the list of best players in the world. Only two five-time Ballon d'Or winners are better in his eyes and the Brazil tactician even admitted that the attacker is superior to Eden Hazard in some aspects.
"Fifty percent of goals scored by Brazil with Neymar on the pitch are because of his goals or an assist he makes," Tite added. "The team needs him and he needs the team.
"From individual technical quality, I put Lionel Messi on top and Cristiano Ronaldo, because they are of another generation.
"From there I put another generation: [Neymar] and Eden Hazard are two extraordinary players for me. One advantage Neymar has over Hazard is that they think alike but he executes faster. He's unstoppable."
Neymar will be keen on hitting the ground running. With Mbappe and Cavani injured, the former Santos sensation will likely find himself back in Tuchel's squad after being frozen out due to his desire to leave. However, an exit did not work out and with the transfer window close, his one and only focus this season will be PSG.
