Carlo Ancelotti has picked Neymar over Gareth Bale in his Clasico dream team ahead of Saturday’s showdown between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Writing in his column for Chinese outlet Sina Sports, Ancelotti justified his preferences for Gerard Pique ahead of Pepe, Sergio Ramos ahead of Javier Mascherano, Marcelo ahead of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic ahead of Casemiro and Toni Kroos.
However, he sparked some surprise by ignoring his previous allegiance to Madrid and opting for Neymar over his former charge Bale as he felt the Brazilian “was playing some of the best football of his career”.
“Neymar’s growth this season is clear, his performance is spectacular and so is his importance within the team,” the Coach noted.
“He’s playing some of the best football of his career. Bale has also been decisive for Real Madrid, but he has missed many games due to injury. At this time, Neymar is better.”
Ancelotti’s Clasico XI: Bravo/Navas; Alves/Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Marcelo; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta/Modric; Messi/Ronaldo, Suarez/Benzema, Neymar
