SHOCKER!!! Neymar Not A World Star Yet Says Dunga

Barcelona forward Neymar will not be a true star until he wins the World Cup, according to Brazil coach Dunga. The 22-year-old was in inspired form during the tournament this summer until a back injury in the quarter-finals brought his campaign to a premature end.

The former Santos attacker enjoyed an inconsistent first season in La Liga in 2013-14 prior to the World Cup finals and, while accepting he is the country's top player, Dunga does not believe Neymar to be a star of the game just yet.

"He's the best player in Brazil, but no star. To have star status, you have to have world champion credentials on your back," Dunga told Epoca.


"But we are going to work to make sure that, when he's with the Selecao, Neymar performs above the level that defines a star."

Dunga also feels criticism of Luiz Felipe Scolari was unjust after Brazil's 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany in the semi-finals.

"It is easy to say [critical things], to point out the faults in idols," he said. "[Scolari] is a winner, competent and principled. Brazil conceded the first goal and Germany didn't allow them to breathe."

The former World Cup-winning midfielder added that he will look to incorporate young talent and experience in his up-coming Brazil squads for games against Colombia and Ecuador next month.

"We need a mix of youth and veterans to sharpen competitiveness," he said.