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Neymar best Brazilian player at this moment - Ronaldinho

Barcelona forward Neymar is a "phenomenon who can be the best in the world," said former two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho.

Ronaldinho had high praise for his compatriot, telling the Barcelona website: "Neymar is a phenomenon. He is the best Brazilian player in the world at the moment. It's great to see him continue everything we have done before."

The 23-year-old has scored 13 goals in 14 games so far this season and in the 10 La Liga and Champions League fixtures since Blaugrana talisman Lionel Messi was injured in late September, Neymar has scored 10 times and given six assists. Neymar has scored 46 goals in only 67 appearances for the Selecao to date

Ronaldinho, who played for Barcelona from 2003-2008, said it makes him happy to see a fellow Brazilian make history.

Ronaldinho also had fond memories of his playing time with Argentina's Lionel Messi at the Catalan club.

"He's always shown he has a lot of quality so it is nice to see how he is growing as the years go by," Ronaldinho said. "Each year with more experience more maturity, that is the nice thing about football.

"For me what I remember best is his first goal. It was playing alongside me, it was a pass that I gave to him I remember it was when we played together it was a special moment. It started his professional career. So being able to play a part in the beginning of his career for me it is something that I remember with a lot of affection," he said.

Ronaldinho, who during his first season with the club played alongside actual Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, called the cocah "one of the best in the world," and also had high praise for current club captain Andres Iniesta.

"When I watch him I am always reminded of Xavi," Ronaldinho said. "He has always been a quality player. He started very young with us and now it makes me happy to see him make history."

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