As Lionel Messi and Neymar prepare to do battle in the final of the 2011 Club World Cup, the Brazilian has admitted he has attempted to model his game on the Barcelona star.

 

Named the Brazilian Player of the Year for the 2011 season, Neymar has continued his impressive form with Santos, justifying the increasing hype surrounding his potential.

 

The 19-year-old was coveted by Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid over the summer, but snubbed his suitors to sign a new contract with Santos and declare his wish to remain in Brazil a little longer.

 

The striker could once again surge into the world’s football conscience if he can lead Santos to victory over Barcelona in the Club World Cup final – and if he did so he would better a player he hugely admires in Messi.

 

"Messi is really impressive, he is the number one", said Neymar.

 

"He is one of the players who has influenced me the most and I try to copy the way he plays the game in some ways", added the striker.

 

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