Neymar is not better than me, he’s just a higher profile player, slams Ghana’s World Cup star Mohammed Kudus

GHANA star Mohammed Kudus claims that he's as good as Neymar.

The Ajax striker, 22, is set to kick off his maiden World Cup campaign when the Black Stars take on Portugal this afternoon.

Kudus isn't short of confidence going into the game, having previously gotten into it with Neymar during a friendly against Brazil in September.

Speaking ahead of the World Cup, he told of the Selecao's No10: "He’s not better than me.

"He’s just a higher profile player, that’s all."

On their tasty encounter a few months ago, Kudus added: "He was defending his country and I was defending mine.

"I wasn’t about to let him push me around. What makes him better, for now, is that he has achieved a lot.

"I’ll get there soon."

And on a potential round of 16 reunion with Neymar in Qatar, he continued: "We could meet again, yeah? Me and Neymar, part two. I’m sure he would enjoy it."

Kudus has attracted plenty of Premier League interest with his form for Ajax - with Everton among the teams to have come knocking last summer.

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On the Toffees' interest, he said: "I thought [Everton] was a good project for me and why not?

"It’s not like it’s my first season at Ajax, it’s my third. So, if I’m not seeing the progress I’m looking for then why not try something else?"

Kudus, who can also play as a No10, has scored 10 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions this term - particularly excelling in the Champions League with strikes against Rangers, Liverpool and Napoli.

In addition to Everton, he has also reportedly drawn the interest of scouts from Tottenham, as they look to add more firepower behind Harry Kane.