Six matches, 6 wins, a goal difference of 17 and top of the table! A start Tata Martino could dream of, and obliged to do after the high standards set by Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova in the Blaugrana side. As Messi continues to mesmerize and Xavi keeps twisting and turning, the Barcelona side with the likes of Alves and Adriano have always been influential down the right flank. Although Jordi Alba was an absolute sensation down the left flank, he wasn’t getting the much needed assist from Villa or even the great Iniesta, who is completely different player down the center. The likes of Pedro and Alexis have also been influential down the right and Tello was the only player who could provide something different. In came the genius from the land that produced the Barcelona Greats – Romario, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo.
The new lad from Brazil had high expectations when he donned the famous Blue and Red jersey and with his agility and skill to take his man was expected to produce magic down the left, the spark that was missing on that flank and the creativity which Ronaldinho brought in his prime or Messi brought through the right in his earlier days. After getting his first goal in La Liga – a simple tap-in, Neymar is off the mark. Although he is a goal scorer having scored 41 goals last year, Neymar hasn’t contributed to the goal tally significantly when we have Messi scoring 7 and Pedrito scoring 5 already.
But, Neymar has been an influential player when it comes to opening up defences. With the game centered around the ‘La Pulga’ Messi, Neymar was bound to be in the shadows. Having 5 assists, he has contributed in the opening games and is crucial part of the offense though. Someone who can go past his man from either side, maintain the width and drag the defense along, opening up spaces for Xavi and Iniesta to make those inch perfect passes. This combined with his defending enthusiasm that portrays his team work, Neymar has amazed everyone and has showed, he is not just a Youtube Genius. With Alba on the same flank, the Barca attack could become as lethal as on the right, where Alves continues to impress.
Was he brought as a marquee signing – someone who would bring in those jersey sales? Or was there more to it? Considered as overhyped by many and predicted to be a flop in Spain and Europe, someone who wouldn’t be able to adjust to European football, Neymar has done significantly well. Atleast in Spain, as of now. He hasn’t been tested much in Europe though. But he will be crucial, especially against the sides that are difficult to break. The passing and elegance of Barca is incomplete without the likes of players gliding like lizard on a piece of ice and opening up defences and Neymar, I believe, is one of them!
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