Neymar is essential for Brazil's chances in Russia: Pele

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Bengaluru, March 2: The injury of Neymar has ensured that he will be out for nearly three months after a surgery.

Legendary Pele said the presence of Neymar was essential for Brazil in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia.

"Neymar has changed the way he plays with the national team. He has had to. At his club side, he was playing as a left-sided attacker, whereas for Brazil, he plays more centrally, as a more traditional No 10. That's hard, but he's managed to adapt his game.

"The important thing is for the national team to be well organised as a group because they no longer have three or four top players for each position," Pele told fifa.com.

For the three-time World Cup-winner, Neymar will be key for Brazil's campaign in Russia.

"He might find that the tactical switch from his club to the national team isn't straightforward, but Neymar is Brazil's key player.

"He has to prepare himself for that. And I would go further: for me, technically, he is already the best player in the world," he said.