Turin, July 25: Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini does not believe that his team-mate Paulo Dybala is worth as much as the value of reported Paris Saint=Germain target Neymar of Barcelona.

All leagues special site

Paulo Dybala is yet to reach the levels of Neymar, says Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, amidst reports that the Argentine is a target for La Liga giants FC Barcelona following the much-speculated link of Neymar to PSG.

With suggestions that Paris Saint-Germain are seeking a €222 million move for Neymar, Dybala has been suggested as a potential replacement for the Brazil international but Chiellini has demanded Juventus to keep Dybala at the Old Lady at any cost.

Neymar scored a sublime brace in Barca's 2-1 win over the Serie A champions in the International Champions Cup, but is reportedly ready in agreeing terms with PSG, provided they meet his buy-out clause.

The Italian defender believes Neymar is the only player that could challenge Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the Ballon d'Or, with the 23-year-old Dybala further behind in his development.

"Dybala isn't worth as much as Neymar is today, with all the respect and great esteem that we all have for Paulo," the Italy centre-back said to Premium Sport.

"I said it last season, Neymar is at the level of Messi and Ronaldo, and he's their designated heir for the Ballon d'Or."

"Neymar's valuation? They're huge numbers but ones that apply to a player that changes the course of a game and a season almost single-handedly. Therefore it is right for a team to spend a certain figure if they have the opportunity to do so."

Chiellini spent the last seven seasons building a formidable partnership with Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli in defence, in front of club legend goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, but Juve will be without the 30-year-old after his surprise switch to AC Milan in a €42 million deal.

"Good or bad, he's been a companion of mine in everything," Chiellini said.

He added, "I'd seen him more than Gigi, Andrea and anyone else, including our families, in the last seven years."

"I'll miss him so much on a human level, but maybe another defender will arrive, who will allow us to catch breath and conserve our energy in the best way possible."

"We were five defenders, but now we're four top defenders, with different characteristics, which sincerely makes me less worried," the Serie A Champion concluded.

OneIndia News