BARCELONA FORWARD NEYMAR CAN BEAT MESSI AND RONALDO TO NEXT BALLON D'OR, SAYS MIRANDA

The Brazilian's international team-mate believes a stunning effort against Uruguay has highlighted how good the forward can be this year

Brazil star Neymar is on track to win the next Ballon d'Or, according to team-mate Miranda.

Neymar took his tally to 51 international goals in 76 games with a stunning effort in Thursday's 4-1 thrashing of Uruguay in World Cup qualifying.

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He got on the end of a clearance from Miranda before delicately lobbing goalkeeper Martin Silva.

While Paulinho stole the show with a hat-trick, Miranda was full of praise for Barcelona star Neymar.

"Nowadays, Neymar is the player who lives in the best moment," the Inter defender said.

"The next Ballon d'Or is painted for him."

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Neymar was third in the Ballon d'Or in 2015, but the prize has been shared by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo the past nine times.

Brazil's win over Uruguay saw them move seven points clear in qualifying, well on track to reach Russia 2018.