Reported Newcastle United target Jamilu Collins is such a talented defender that even the great Neymar struggled to get the better of him, the Paderborn defender’s agent has told AreaNapoli this week.
The enigmatic number ten of PSG and Brazil has left many a full-back chasing their tail during a storied career at club and international level.
But during a 1-1 draw against Nigeria last year, Neymar was strangely subdued before limping off with injury early on.
That might have had something to do with the performance of Collins, an athletic and aggressive left-back who shone as the Super Eagles claimed a 1-1 draw with the five-time world champions.
“Jamilu Collins is a Nigerian international who can boast numerous appearances (for his country). Neymar and his Brazil teammates had great problems against him,” Thomas Soloman says, discussing a game in which the 25-year-old also came up against Dani Alves, Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus.
“Collins has played almost all the Bundesliga games (this season) as a starter. He is 100 per cent ready for (a move to a big club.”
Of course, it is always tempting to take anything an agent says with a pinch of salt. Paderborn’s relegation from the Bundesliga was confirmed on Tuesday and, as you might expect, Soloman will be hoping to find his client a new, high-profile club during the summer transfer window.
Newcastle United have been linked via Transfermarkt in March, with a new left-back required at St James’ Park thanks to an ill-timed injury which ruined Jetro Willems’ hopes of a permanent stay on Tyneside.
If Collins can keep Neymar quiet, then maybe he is the man to finally solve a problem position for Newcastle.
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