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World's best Neymar would succeed in Prem, anywhere - Ronaldinho

Former Barcelona and Brazil star Ronaldinho has no doubt Neymar, whom he calls the world's best player, would shine in the Premier League should the Barca forward make a move to England.

Neymar's father on Wednesday hinted that his son's future may not be with the Catalan giants as tax and legal issues have dogged the Blaugrana No. 11 since moving from Brazil in the summer of 2013.

If Neymar swaps leagues, however, Ronaldinho believes the current Brazil captain will continue his devastating displays wherever he lands, including England.

"He could and would succeed at any league in the world," Ronaldinho said. "Of course, there are always transition periods. But when you have that much ability you will succeed in any league in any country.

"England is not an easy league to succeed in, but yes of course he would be a success there.

"I can't see why Barcelona would want to allow him to leave, but if he was to, I'm sure that it would have to be for a record fee."

Neymar has stepped up in the absence of Lionel Messi, who's been sidelined with a knee injury since Sept. 26. The former Santos man has scored 10 goals and given an additional six assists in the 10 games the Argentine has missed.

Neymar capped a standout two-goal performance against Villarreal on Nov. 8 with a sensational volleyed goal from rainbow flick over the head of a defender, and Ronaldinho believes the form his countryman has shown places him at the top of the game at present.

"Neymar, currently on form, is the best player in the world," said Ronaldinho.

"His rise has not surprised me at all. Even when he was a kid his ability was obvious. At the age he is, I still have every belief he can go on to get better and better.

"Now he has reached the level of the best in the world, he can stay there for five or six years, comfortably."