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Brazil boss: Neymar one of world's top three

Brazil manager Tite said that Neymar remains an essential part of the national team and called the Paris Saint-Germain star one of the three best players in the world.

"From individual technical quality, I put Lionel Messi on top and Cristiano Ronaldo, because they are of another generation," Tite said at a Thursday news conference. "From there I put another generation: [Neymar] and Eden Hazard are two extraordinary players for me.

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"One advantage Neymar has over Hazard is that they think alike but he executes faster. He's unstoppable."

Neymar is expected to be back on the pitch for Friday's friendly against Colombia in Miami. He has not featured for the national team since injuring his right ankle against Qatar in June in a warmup match for Brazil's Copa America-winning campaign. 

He has also not played for PSG this season as he was was subject to non-stop speculation during the transfer window of returning back to Barcelona after two seasons in Paris.

Despite numerous meetings and offers between the two clubs, ultimately no deal was reached and Neymar remained with PSG.

But Tite said he expects the 27-year-old to be ready to play some minutes for Friday's match. 

"We are not [going to be] irresponsible in forcing a situation that goes against the player's health," Tite said. "We are going to be very attentive. In relation to the physical and technical aspects, he confirmed it himself. He is ready to do what the national team needs.

"50% of goals scored by Brazil with Neymar on pitch are because of his goals or an assist he makes. The team needs him and he needs the team."

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