The 2013/2014 season saw Neymar, a player who was the shining light at Santos, a club where he joined and became a regular at a very young age, and was regarded as the only player closest to the two greatest players of all time, Messi and Ronaldo.
Neymaaaarrrrrr, what a scintillating skill from the young Brazilian who does brilliantly to beat his marker, ooohhhhh, what a goal, Neymar adds his name on the score sheet yet again… Messi is really proud of this boy. This was almost becoming a norm for commentators and fans as Neymar really showed that if there is anyone to be mentioned in the same sentence as the two greatest players, that name was going to be his.
He became the major talking point, his abilities on the ball and his charisma on the pitch led to lots of comparison to whether is the next player to win the Ballon d'Or, everyone believed including myself, that we were about to witness another era and player to carry the mantle when the two greatest players retires.
Neymar was basically unplayable, each time he had the ball at his feet, everyone was expecting something to happen… defenders became his tool, as he had fun humiliating them, and giving them something to think about. He not only displayed skills on the pitch or had fun humiliating defenders, he was also a huge threat in front of goal, scoring all sort of goals including goals that will be regarded as one of the best goals to be scored in the game. He had the fear factor as the other top two greatest players and teams set up specifically to try to limit his threats. What a player he was.
Descent from the peak?
This is the talking point that has been around ever since Neymar left Barcelona for PSG. However, Neymar was in the shadow of Messi and wanted to be a boss and not someone else’s second. PSG was an attractive move for him where he could rule and do whatever he wants, and be the boss on the pitch like he has ever wanted to.
Lots of excitements clouded the footballing world as fans wanted to see one of their favorite players finally reclaim his status and be the shining light once again, a status he earned for himself during his years at Santos.
As a PSG player, his price tag and the qualities that he packed in both legs had to force a lot of changes to suit the Brazilian, he was like a diamond and was pampered by not only the manager but the club’s hierarchies. He came in as the player to finally bring the champions league title for PSG and lots of expectations was on his shoulders… Singlehandedly lighting up the atmosphere in the stadium and winning lots of games for Ligue 1 giants, and also helping them win a domestic treble… he was pretty much living his dream once again and was regarded as a success in his first season in the Ligue 1 even though they failed to even make it to the champions league final. However, the decline trickled in which saw him become overshadowed by teenage talent Kylian Mbappe, the young French kid who emerged as one of the brightest young players in the world. All these finally led to lots of talking points whether the Brazilian is falling off the top?
Neymar has been in the hearts of news, more than his contributions on the pitch in the last season and lots of reports have surrounded the Brazilian recently, and his latest injury has ruled him out for this summer's Copa America. These reports and talking points have been a huge worry for PSG about Neymar’s value as a player and are afraid that his value is massively falling from the 222 million euros which they paid Barcelona for him back in 2017. However, it has been rumored that Barcelona are still interested in a player that they cashed out on a few seasons ago, he is keen to return to Barcelona and has been in contact over a possible return… whether this reports about Neymar keen to return to Barcelona is true or not is yet to be known, only time will tell…
After all said, the question is Neymar’s case that of descent from the peak?
Well for me, I think it is a no, Neymar is still young and still has all the abilities and qualities to bounce back and reclaim his status as the player to be closest to Messi and Ronaldo. It is a shame that his injury has prevented him from showcasing his talent in this ongoing Copa America, but I still feel that he will be back to prove that he is a top top player.
What do you think… Do you think it is a case of descent from the peak for Neymar?
I would love to read your thoughts and opinions... Enjoy your day.
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