Former Brazil player Tostao admires young Santos striker Neymar. He insisted the talented forward would soon play as well as Barcelona ace Lionel Messi.

Neymar played a crucial role in his team’s Copa Libertadores victory over Penarol in last week. He has also impressed everybody with his performance for Brazil in the recent months.

The 19 years old player is continually linked to join Real Madrid. Tostao is impressed with his talents and praised the youngster.

Tostao remarked, “Neymar has the technique and skills that only the greatest players in this world possess. I’m sure that he will be of the same level as Messi within four years.”

Besides Tostao, the World Cup 1970 winning team’s fellow player Rivelino also praised the Santos striker by simply commenting, “Neymar is the rescue for the art of football.”

You should note that Neymar currently prepares for the Copa America 2011 with Brazil. He would be eager to win his first main event with his national team.

Brazil are paired with Ecuador, Venezuela and Paraguay in the Group B of this tournament, that will take place in Argentina.