Neymar is the best player in the world, says El Shaarawy

The Italy international has taken the time to praise the Brazil star, while revealing that Kaka, Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti were his idols as a boy

AC Milan attacker Stephan El Shaarawy has voiced his opinion that Brazil international Neymar is the best player in the world at the moment.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery are seen as the favourites to win this year's Fifa Ballon d'Or, but El Shaarawy believes Neymar is even better than the aforementioned trio.

"I'd say Neymar is the best player in the world at the moment," El Shaarawy told reporters.

"I played against him in Geneva with Italy back in March and he was simply incredible on the ball."

The young forward then went on to voice his admiration for Serie A greats such as Kaka - who recently completed his return to Milan after a four-year spell at Real Madrid - Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti.

"I had a number of idols. It was great to see players such as Kaka and Del Piero week after week. Totti was another of my biggest idols. It's crazy to be playing against him now."