Scolari: "Neymar will de-throne Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi"

Brazilian manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, now in China with Guangzhou Evergrande, feels proud of the career he's had. 

In an interview with EFE, he's said that "within two years" Neymar will be at the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. 

Is Ronaldo the best player in the world?

"I would say Ronaldo and Messi are always competing [for that honour], but within two years I would put Neymar at that level. And possibly he will de-throne one of them, because Neymar's one of the phenomenons I have worked with."

Is Neymar going to win the Ballon d'Or?

"Yes, I think so, but not this year."

In your dream team would you pick Ronaldo or Messi? 

"It depends. They have different characteristics. Ronaldo has made himself the best in the world. He has trained for it and has dedicated himself himself to this so he is a different type of player. Messi is all about the simplicity (...) of playing football. He is a pure genius. Ronaldo's is a situation that he has imposed, but Messi's is not."

If you had to coach Madrid or Barça...

"I see a diferent style of play at Real Madrid than at Barcelona. Barcelona under Luis Enrique play football with good rhythm. It has changed in the last two years with Suarez, Messi and Neymar. At Real Madrid, it has changed with Zidane in charge, they have a different style of play. I think if I was invited to manage one of those teams, I would pick Real Madrid because they are more similar to my style of play than Barça."

Now in China, is the money being spent not a bit crazy?

"It is not crazy, it is a matter of procedure by the clubs. They understand that they have to develop football for the public and that is where you get these 'bombastic' contracts from. They are already making adjustments in Chinese football so that in 10 or 15 years, they will be one of the great powers of world football."

You've been linked with Pepe...

"The changes made by the federation say we can only play three foreigners. I have four, three Brazilians and one Colombian. I also have two Koreans in my squad. If I can only play three, I have to get rid of three, not buy more."

But if there was a chance, Pepe would be an option? 

"He's a great player. When I was with Portugal he was one of my suggestions to the FA. But I insist, we can't sign any more foreign players, plus [the players] I have are the best in Asia, so I don't need anyone."