Neymar can define an era, says Alves as Brazil star is nominated for Ballon d’Or

Barcelona forward Neymar can be as good as he wants to be and will follow Lionel Messi in defining an era in soccer, his Barca and Brazil team mate Dani Alves predicted.

Neymar has reached new heights at Barca this season, his third with the Spanish and European champions, and was named on Monday along with Messi and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo on the three-player shortlist for the 2015 Fifa Ballon d'Or award.

Neymar, 23, is the top scorer in La Liga this term with 12 goals in 11 appearances, with two more in five Champions League outings, and was particularly impressive during Messi's recent two-month absence with a knee injury.

The pair form a formidable attacking trident with South American compatriot Luis Suarez and they set a Spanish record of 122 goals in all competitions in 2014-15 as Barca romped to a treble of Champions League, La Liga and King's Cup titles.

“Ney has the limit he wants,” Alves, 32, who refers to Neymar as his “younger brother”, said.

“If he doesn't want a limit then he won't have one because his characteristics and his qualities are favourable for this,” added the fullback.