Ronaldo Nazario says it is "a question of time" until Barcelona striker Neymar is widely appreciated as the greatest football player in the world.
The 22-year-old Brazilian has started the season in fine form and has already scored 11 goals in la Liga.
"Cristiano Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi are the best at the moment," Ronaldo said in an interview with 'Folha de Sao Paulo'. "But Neymar has developed a lot. Coming to Europe has been really good for him."
He also said that Brazil are "experiencing a difficult moment in all senses", especially in "administrative and talent" terms.
"We don't have many great players," he continued. "We live with our hopes pinned on Neymar, who is excellent, the best in the country, but in other eras we were able to count on more than just one player to carry the Brazilian national team."
In Ronaldo's view, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Kaká, Adriano and Robinho were unable to assume control of the side after his retirement, which has left Neymar's generation over-burdened.
"For various reasons, many of them failed to succeed at their clubs or had transfer problems. There has not been a transition from their generation to the next (Neymar's)." Despite Duda's spell in charge of Brazil starting with six wins, Ronaldo highlighted that Brazilian are still "hurting" after the failure of the World Cup, where they were humilated 7-1 against Germany in the semi-final.
