Former Barcelona midfielder Giovanni believes Philippe Coutinho is a match for Neymar.

Coutinho joined Barca six months after Neymar left for PSG.

"Coutinho is a craque, for me at the same level as Neymar and you have to give him more confidence," said Giovanni, discussing Barca's Brazilians.

"And Paulinho contributed a lot, I know there were doubts when he came, but he is strong, gets forward and makes goals."

He also said of Gremio midfielder Arthur Melo, who is set to sign for Barca: "I saw him play some games in Grémio and he plays well, he controls the game.

"The adaptation to Barça is not easy, the pressure ... you have to be patient with the youth as well like with (Ousmane) Dembélé."