Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino has insisted that Neymar is "one of the five best players in the world" ahead of El Clasico at the Bernabeu.

The Brazilian has struggled to produce his early season form in 2014, but Martino has lavished praise on the former Santos youngster.

"Neymar had a very good game against Manchester City [in the last 16 of the Champions League]," the Argentine told reporters on Saturday.

"I will repeat something I said: Neymar is one of the five best players in the world. I don't need any middle party to confirm his qualities."

Barcelona travel to Real Madrid this evening.