Neymar Jr.- Brazil’s One for the Future
By: Siddhant Singh
Tags: Fifa World Cup, Football, Sports, Brazil, Soccer

For the past two decades, Brazil has always been a strong contender in international competitions.The quality and quantity of talent that crop up from brazil style of play are known throughout the footballing realm.

Their `Joga bonito’ has always amazed, amused and entertained football fanatics throughout the world.

Brazil has always nurtured and discovered great talent and still continues to do so.

But the Selecao boys for the first time in the recent past did not enter the 2013 confederations cup as one of the favourites. European giants Spain, France and Italy still looked stronger. Brazil’s unanticipated elimination from the 2010 world cup and a distasteful performance in 2011 Copa America proved that they needed some kinda overhauling both in terms of player selection and game plan. Subsequently, brazil tumbled down to 11th spot in FIFA rankings. Though they went on to deliver an exceptional performance throughout the year 2011 and were on a winning streak. But the following year came out to be a complete antonym of the previous year. Brazil had to face the bitter reality of slumping down more to the 22nd spot in the FIFA ranking in June 2013. This was their worst since the inception of the ranking system in 1992.

The accomplished Luis Filipe Scolari was introduced as the new Brazil coach in November 2012 and had a bad start to the year with back to back defeats against Mexico. But the samba boys picked themselves up and commenced the confederations cup with some style and vigour. With the lagniappe of Neymar jr. in the roster, the samba boys cruised through to the finals and eventually came out victorious in the final against the mighty and undefeated Spanish matadors. Neymar’s presence could be seen throughout the tournament and he proved why he is worth 57 million euros. His otherworldly performance throughout the competition was rewarded with the player of the tournament award. Spain could have easily outplayed in the final against brazil if it weren’t for the tenacious David Luis who popped up frequently to resolve any defensive crises. One of the highlights was the goalline clearance by David Luis which could have been a game-changer. Spain missing the valuable penalty and sending off of Gerard pique was slowly revealing the end of Spain’s 29 matches undefeated winning streak.

Though Brazil came out as champions, their dependence on Neymar and defensive flaws will not be able to make them the favourites for the upcoming world cup. For instance, their wing-backs i.e Dani Alves and Marcelo often run up the flanks to assist with the attack and maintain the high tempo of the attack they provide. This eventually leaves the flanks utterly exposed. Defensive midfielders like Luis Gustavo and Paulinho help cover for central defenders, but this might not be enough to create a perfect team for the World Cup. They seriously need a gameplan overhaul to compete with other European giants.

On the other front, Neymar jr was the man of the whole tournament and has been prolific in Brazil’s attack. Now, as the new season begins, FC Barcelona’s latest big-money signing will have the test of his life. Hence, the question remains if Neymar will turn his Confederations Cup brilliance into consistency now at club level. His array of unique hairdos and his elastic style of play might provide some swagger into Barca’s game. But there are many questions which need to be answered.

The Selecao boys have released their Kraken — Neymar Jr

Confederations Cup is one thing and playing in a hectic la Liga, Champions league calendar is another. Will he be able to co-exist with a player like Messi? Neymar might diversify Tito Vinalova’s gameplan but will he be able to handle the physicality involved in the Spanish league. Will he be able to adjust to the famous tiki-taka football of the Blaugrana? Only time will tell. It would be disappointing to see him ending up like other Brazilian duds who failed to shine in Europe. Neymar has a different kind of approach to his play as compared to Barca play. Well, this is how players become legends, who can adapt to any type of gameplay. With David villa gone, Neymar will have a lot of game time and I’m quite curious to see him play. Neymar will surely provide support to Messi and relieve Messi’s pressure of scoring goals.

His appetite for scoring was highlighted in the Confederations Cup and if he continues with the same vigour to score, this prodigy from Santos can create wonders in Europe. He could even be one day a Ballon D’or winner. One thing is quite evident that Brazil never disappoints in mining new talent. With the new season just around the corner, all cameras will be on Neymar’s mercurial feet. If he does succeed at the club level, then it is quite evident that Brazil will emerge stronger than ever in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.