Neymar key to Brazil hopes
When Neymar left Barcelona for Paris St-Germain last August he knew the 2017/18 season would be stressful but even for a man who loves to make headlines this year has provided plenty of news, both good and bad.
His brilliance has been offset by unsavoury spats with team mates and rivals and PSG’s canter to the league title was soured by the foot injury that kept him out of the season’s key games in their Champions League last16 elimination by Real Madrid.
Exactly in what shape Neymar returns from that February injury will go a long way to determining Brazil’s fate in the World Cup, a tournament they have not won for 16 years.
But judging by the way Neymar played as a second half substitute in Brazil’s recent friendly win against Croatia, it seems he is on the right track. The gifted striker even scored a brilliant solo goal against the Croats.
“Any team would be relieved having such a player back,” defender Thiago Silva said after Sunday’s win at Anfield. “We are a great team, but Ney has that light. When the game gets tough, he steps up to the challenge.” Brazil coach Tite agreed Neymar’s return exceeded expectations, but he wanted to be cautious with the recovery to ensure his star player peaks at the World Cup.
“We were indeed under pressure from Croatia in the first half and his presence made us better,” Tite said. “But we planned how Neymar was going to be used, he is different.”
Everyone in Brazil understands his importance to the team. The 26-year-old star is not only their best player, he is also willing to take on the responsibility of team leader.
The greatest player of his generation coasted through his debut season in France, scoring 29 goals in 30 games, but he was also rarely tested in a league that is clearly inferior to his old stomping ground of La Liga in Spain. He has vowed to work harder than ever to get back in shape and be ready for Russia.
If Neymar plays well, Brazil are hard to beat. His influence will be vital if they are to live up to their status as joint-favourites.