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#3 Neymar is the heir to Lionel Messi
Barcelona's pre-season match against Juventus was quite revealing, despite the caveat that it was, a pre-season friendly. While Lionel Messi was named in the forward line in the Ernesto Valverde's team-sheet, the Argentine magician's heat-map was distinctly in the middle of the pitch.
It allowed Neymar to experience probably his best 45 minutes in a Blaugrana shirt, as he tormented the Juventus defence (albeit shorn of Leo Bonucci) that shut out Barca for 180 minutes just two months ago. We were witness to the Neymar that turns out for Brazil - he was the leader of Barca's attacking play, with Messi the conductor.
Much is made of the fact that Lionel Messi has another good 5-7 years at the top level and thus Neymar will always be in his shadow. It does the Brazilian a disservice - Neymar is talented enough to outshine Messi on his day (see: Barcelona 6-1 PSG) and can do so with increasing regularity if Messi opts for a deeper role. There is a future for Neymar at Barca as Messi's heir - and it may come sooner than most people expect.
