Neymar and Messi will be 'the bomb', says Alves

The Blaugrana right-back believes the duo playing in tandem makes for a mouth-watering prospect, and is confident both can share the limelight at Camp Nou next season

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has backed Lionel Messi and Neymar to combine to devastating effect next season by describing the duo as "the bomb".

The former Santos striker has silenced his critics in recent weeks by lighting up the Confederations Cup from which he emerged with the Golden Ball en route to winning the competition with the Selecao.

And Alves believes the 21-year-old can forge an explosive partnership with Argentina's golden boy and says both have the requisite amount of humility to succeed.

"They will be the bomb next season," he told reporters. "That is why I insisted Neymar join us so much because I'm sure he will be a very special player.

"They will have a very positive connection. Neymar is happy to play with Messi. There will no problems because there is humility with both of them."