Neymar needs to change to reach Ronaldo's level, says Jesus

Cape Town - Flamengo manager Jorge Jesus says Neymar needs to change the way he approaches his game to be on the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 34-year-old Juventus forward once again put on an incredible performance as he netted four goals - a record eighth hat-trick for Portugal - on Tuesday evening in their 5-1 victory over Lithuania.

Meanwhile, Neymar made his first appearance for the 2019/20 season and scoring after appearing in Brazil’s 2-2 draw against Colombia on Saturday.

The 27-year-old has fallen out-of-favour of a starting berth at Paris Saint-Germain following his off-field antics.

Throughout the summer transfer window period, Neymar pushed for a return to Barcelona after only two seasons in France since his world-record signing.

Jesus believes that in order for Neymar to reach Ronaldo's level, the winger will need to change his attitude towards the game.

"For me, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best," he told Globo Esporte.

"I don’t have any doubts about that. He doesn’t score 10 or 20 goals but 30, 40 or 50.

"He doesn’t need to be as artistic as (Lionel) Messi. Everyone needs to look at Ronaldo.

"Not just for his quality but for how he is as a professional, how he reached the level he’s at.

"It should be a lesson for any child who wants to play football."

He added: "(Neymar) needs to change the way he thinks, or he won’t get to that level.

"If what you have away from the game is more important than perfecting your own play, you’ll never become the best.

"That’s what Ronaldo has, the passion (to succeed). That’s the difference."

- Compiled by: Tashreeq Vardien