Neymar and Lionel Messi are expected to be the top duo in world of soccer this year, but Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos thinks that the best combination of stars is on his team.
"Neymar and Messi? I prefer Cristiano [Ronaldo], [Mesut] Ozil and Isco, my team-mates here at Madrid," the Spain international said, according to Goal.com. "No-one is in any doubt that Messi and Neymar are great players, but I just prefer the guys who are in our team."
Ronaldo and Messi are the consensus picks for the top players in the world. However, the players have needed a tremendous amount of offensive support. Real Madrid struggled early on in 2012-13 and Barcelona nearly imploded late in the season when Messi suffered an injury. Neymar is supposed to give Barcelona a secondary scoring threat while Madrid seems intent to continue relying on Ronaldo for goals.
Ramos added that he was excited about the upcoming season under new coach Carlo Ancelotti and said he is anxious to get back on the winning track.
"This is the start of a new era, with a new coach, new signings and we are all excited and hopeful of success," Ramos said. "Last season, we were unable to repeat the successes of previous years but you have to focus on the positive side.
"I just think about the good things that happened. I'm not a resentful person. I just remember all of the things I learned during a period which is over now," he added. "Football goes on, we need to continue growing, developing and be ambitious so that we can win more silverware."
Barcelona and Real Madrid face off for the first time this season on Oct. 26.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
