Former Paris Saint-Germain sporting director and Brazilian international Leonardo has claimed that Barcelona forward Neymar is not currently at the same level of former heroes for the Selecao.

The youngster will lead the attack for Brazil at the World Cup this summer, but Leonardo has admitted that the attacker needs a big tournament to make his mark.

"Brazil has always reached the World Cup with the likes of Garrincha, Pele, Zico and Socrates, Romario and Bebeto; then Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo," Inside Spanish Football quotes Leonardo as saying.

"I don't see Neymar, in this World Cup, reaching the level of those players. He's not as strong as those that we are used to seeing.

"It's a unique occasion for him, a World Cup in Brazil, he can make his mark, it would be a high point in his career. He played very well in Brazil and in Barcelona he's doing well."

Neymar has scored 30 times in 47 games for Brazil.