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Neymar Jr.
He was the big money signing that Barca coveted for years and has come at the right age and right time. His form for Santos had started to slip, but that was likely a loss of motivation as the Brazilian club had been in mid-table for the last few years.
Even with the Brazilian national team, he seemed to be struggling, but once his transfer was complete Neymar seemed happy again and started to play better – Brazil rolled through the Confederations Cup and Neymar was their best player.
Coming to Barcelona, many will have the expectation that he can create havoc alongside Messi, giving Barca a one-two punch that few clubs could hope to match. Yet, many top class strikers have struggled to earn their keep on the Barca front-line.
I would suggest it’s due to the fact that none of them came through the youth system and have to adjust to the style of play. Neymar will be no different. In this first season with the club, expectations will be high, but internally they need to be kept within reason. He will need time to adapt, just as Alexis Sanchez has needed time to adapt.
I really hope I am wrong, but I think history has been consistent on this topic. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Villa and Alexis Sanchez all hit major scoring droughts in their first seasons with the club. Some have suggested that it is difficult to play alongside Messi, but I do not believe this to be a valid argument because Messi creates a large amount of assists for the club.
I think it has more to do adjusting to a style where you barely dribble and have to navigate through a set defence versus open space. Neymar may find space to work with or he might create space for Messi and company.
There will be an adjustment period, especially with him starting to train with the team midway through the pre-season. Neymar is a raw talent and a few years in the Barca system will make him great, this I do not doubt.
But for now, let’s just hope for 25 goals in all competitions. If he can spend this season building a partnership with Messi and the rest of the front-line, it will pay dividends in the long run. Neymar is the future of the front-line for the club. For this season, anything spectacular he does is a bonus.
