‘He doesn’t walk into anyone’s starting XI’ – Neymar is ‘world-class’ but would only make Arsenal’s bench, says pundit

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN star Neymar “doesn’t walk into elite starting XIs” despite being a “world class” footballer.

TalkSPORT presenter and former Spurs star Darren Bent believes Neymar would only be a bench option for Premier League leaders Arsenal.

ReutersNeymar is not good enough to start for Arsenal, says ex-Prem star Darren Bent[/caption]

The 31-year-old Brazilian was enjoying a fine campaign at PSG before suffering a season-ending injury this week.

And Neymar’s latest setback has sparked fresh talk of his long-term future in the French capital.

The former Barcelona forward has been at PSG since 2017 after a world-record £198million move.

He’s gone on to score 118 goals in 173 matches, winning four Ligue 1 titles in the process.

And some reports suggest Neymar could end up playing in England.

Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move as Todd Boehly searches for a marquee striker.

But former England striker Bent does not believe Neymar is good enough to stroll into the starting XI of any elite side.

And when asked on TalkSPORT whether title chasers Arsenal would take Neymar, Bent declared the Samba star would only make the bench as he is not as good as compatriot Gabriel Martinelli.

BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK

Darren Bent feels Neymar can’t just ‘walk’ into elite starting XIsGetty

Bent said: “Right now, I’d rather have Martinelli because Neymar is out for the season.

“I like our squad now so I’m sticking with Martinelli. Neymar in his pomp is unbelievable, but there are just times where things don’t fit.

“When you look at the games he’s played, he’s played 20, 17, 15, 18, 22 and 20 [matches]. Always injured.

“I know he’s world-class and I’d have him as a squad player but he doesn’t walk into anyone’s starting XI.

“I’m not criticising his ability, honestly he’s phenomenal. His ability is frightening. 

“Some of the things he can do with a football, wow. But he comes with a bit of baggage.

“Look at what previous managers at PSG have said about working with him, he makes it incredibly difficult.”