Phil Neville made a ballsy claim about Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Wednesday night.
The former Manchester United and Everton defender was on Match of the Day last night in an analyst role. Joined by Alan Shearer, Neville offered some insights into the Premier League goings on after a round of midweek games. For instance:
- Crystal Palace, who lost 2-1, need to stop conceding goals
- Middlesbrough, who lost 3-0, need to start scoring goals
Q.E.D.
However, when it came to Manchester United’s victory over defensively leaky Palace, Neville lost the run of himself.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the winner for United with his 14th goal of the season, having earlier set up Paul Pogba’s opener.
The 35-year-old received praise from MOTD host Dan Walker and Shearer, prompting Neville to go one further. He lavished plaudits on the former Barcelona and Inter striker for playing just about every minute for Jose Mourinho’s United before concluding:
“It’s phenomenal. I think he’s world-class.”
Walker and Shearer both interjected before Neville continued:
“That’s what world-class players do. They play in every minute of every game. They want to. They don’t want resting.”
Shearer then named Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar as three players that he feels deserve the world-class accolade and asked Neville if Ibrahimovic ranks alongside them.
Shearer: “He was world-class”
Neville: “Was, is, it’s the same thing.”
Shearer: “Was/is?! That’s not the same. Totally different where I’m from.”
We feel you Alan. We feel you.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic world class? Alan Shearer has something to say on the matter! https://t.co/RCCNNPDydD
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 15, 2016
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