Alex Chipciu, the left-back from U Cluj, has been waxing lyrical about the Brazilian superstar Neymar, whom he considers to be the best player he’s ever faced in his career.
Neymar’s electrifying performances on the pitch have left an indelible mark on those who have had the privilege of facing him, and Chipciu is no exception. The two clashed in the 2017-2018 season when Chipciu was plying his trade for Anderlecht and Neymar was gracing the pitch for Paris Saint-Germain. The PSG outfit emerged victorious in both legs of their Champions League encounter, with a 5-0 and 4-0 win.
Alexandru Chipciu during his interview at Digi Sport 1 / Photo: digisport.ro
The Match of a Lifetime
“Playing against Neymar was a thrilling experience,” Chipciu reminisces. “As a winger, I didn’t think I’d ever face someone who could match my pace and agility. But as a defender, I realized that it’s not just about containing the opposition’s attacks; it’s about disrupting their flow and making them uncomfortable on the pitch.”
As a defender, Chipciu acknowledges that it’s a daunting task to keep Neymar in check. “It’s like trying to hold back a tornado,” he admits. “He’s got the speed, the skill, and the vision to create chaos on the pitch. And it’s not just about his technical prowess; it’s about his ability to read the game and make those crucial runs that leave defenders grasping at thin air.”
Comparing Apples and Oranges: Neymar vs. Hazard
When asked to compare Neymar with Eden Hazard, Chipciu responds, “Both players are phenomenal, but in different ways. Hazard was a master of controlling the tempo of the game, while Neymar was a force of nature, always looking to create something from nothing.” As for Messi, Chipciu acknowledges that the Argentine superstar is a different proposition altogether, “He’s a magician on the pitch, always conjuring up something special. But when I played against him, it was more about containing his influence rather than trying to match his individual brilliance.”
Chipciu’s Take on Neymar’s Skillset
So what makes Neymar so special in Chipciu’s eyes? “It’s his ability to read the game, to anticipate the opposition’s moves, and to create scoring opportunities out of thin air,” he explains. “He’s got a sixth sense for the game, and it’s a quality that’s hard to match. Even when I was playing against him, I couldn’t help but be in awe of his skillset.”
And what about his experience playing against Neymar at Anderlecht? Chipciu chuckles, “We had a few encounters on the pitch, but I have to say that he was always one step ahead. Even when we tried to contain him, he’d find a way to slip through the gaps and create something special.”
As Chipciu reflects on his encounter with Neymar, it’s clear that the Brazilian superstar has left an indelible mark on his career. And as the 2026 World Cup gets underway, Neymar’s name will be on everyone’s lips once again.
With Neymar’s sheer talent and charisma, it’s no wonder that he’s one of the most feared players on the planet. And for Chipciu, it’s a privilege to have faced him on the pitch.