Neymar is 'phenomenal', but would only work as Arsenal 'squad ...

Neymar has showcased his incredible talent throughout his career, but Darren Bent would only have him as a ‘squad player’ at Arsenal.

At 31-years-old, Neymar was won a multitude of major honours for both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

However, he is now out for the rest of the season having sustained yet another ankle injury.

Amid the news and questions over his future, talkSPORT Drive host Andy Goldstein asked Bent who he’d rather have out of Neymar or Brazil teammate Martinelli.

“Right now, I’d rather have Martinelli because Neymar is out for the season,” replied the former England striker.

Goldstein then asked him what he would have said three weeks ago before the injury, but Bent’s opinion didn’t change.

“I like our squad now so I’m sticking with Martinelli,” he said. “Neymar in his pomp is unbelievable, but there are just times where things don’t fit.”

Bent later said he would only make Neymar a squad player at Arsenal, citing the player’s inability to stay fit in recent seasons.

“When you look at the games he’s played, he’s played 20, 17, 15, 18, 22 and 20 [matches]. Always injured,” Bent said.

“I know he’s world-class and I’d have him as a squad player but he doesn’t walk into anyone’s starting XI.

“I’m not criticising his ability, honestly he’s phenomenal. His ability is frightening. Some of the things he can do with a football, wow. But he comes with a bit of baggage.

“Look at what previous managers at PSG have said about working with him, he makes it incredibly difficult.”