Former Manchester United right-back says Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold will pass Gary Neville 'by far' as a footballer if he continues on his current trajectory.
The 21-year-old has become one of the world's top right-backs in the past few years, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Jurgen Klopp's defence at Anfield.
However, Rafael does not believe he is quite as good as Neville was for United yet - but did back him to surpass Neville eventually.
"Today, I would pick Gary Neville," Rafael told ESPN when asked to pick between the two. "But if Alexander-Arnold keeps doing what he's doing he will pass Gary Neville by far.
"At the moment he's just destroying the Premier League with assists, with everything. I have to be honest.
"So if he keeps going like that, he's going to pass Gary Neville as a footballer.
"When Gary Neville was young, he maybe didn't have the same qualities, wasn't doing the same things that Alexander-Arnold was doing, but he kept doing what he did for 12-13 years in Manchester and England.
"I hope Alexander-Arnold keeps playing well, not against Manchester United for sure, but if he keeps doing that he will for sure pass Gary Neville."
