Player Focus: Neymar Discovering His Goalscoring Touch in Spain
On Wednesday night, Neymar bagged a brace in Brazil’s 4-0 win over Turkey. A friendly in Istanbul may not have set the world alight, but it was a game that saw the Brazil star continue his impressive pursuit of the nation's all-time scoring record. Neymar’s second of the game brought his international total to 42 from 59 international appearances, moving clear of Bebeto’s return for the Seleção. At just 22, the Barcelona star has Pele’s record of 77 goals firmly in his sights and you would not bet against the attacker breaking that.
His double against Turkey marked what has been quite the impressive start to the season. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (18) has netted more Liga goals than Neymar (10) this term. What is perhaps all the more notable is that, after 10 games, Neymar has already bettered his goal return from last season (9) from 26 Liga appearances.
After a debut campaign in Spain that left many wondering whether he would fulfill his potential at Camp Nou, the striker has silenced his doubters. In the wake of Alexis Sánchez’s departure for Arsenal and Cesc Fàbregas’ move to Chelsea, Barcelona needed the former Santos trainee to live up to expectations and Neymar certainly has not disappointed.
4 goals for Brazil at the 2014 World Cup convinced the world that Neymar can carry the goalscoring burden for his country and it’s evident that his absence in the eventual 7-1 defeat to Germany affected his teammates. The pressure that comes with shouldering such a responsibility is enough to see any player crumble, but Neymar did so effortlessly for his country over the summer before his tournament was cruelly cut short as a result of a back injury. However, Neymar is clearly now becoming more prolific at domestic level, as well as in internationals.
Luis Enrique has kept the same 4-3-3 formation that Barcelona are famous for after taking over the reins from Gerardo Martino this summer. It’s a formation that youngsters are taught when they arrive at the famous La Masia academy and having managed Barcelona B between 2008 and 2011, it’s little shock to see Enrique keep with the system. This benefits the attackers at the Barcelona coach’s disposal, but Neymar in particular is profiting.
Starting from the left and cutting inside, the Brazilian is able to capitalise on the space Lionel Messi in particular creates when Barcelona attack. A prime example of this came in Barcelona's 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid last month. While Marcelo was lazy in returning to the defence, Messi's darting run across the 18-yard box drew Luka Modric away from the ball and opened up the chance for Neymar to go for goal, where he took the opportunity excellently.
Neymar may be averaging considerably fewer dribbles per game this season (1.8) than last (3), and while this may be as a result of Messi pulling markers away from their starting position, Neymar is also being deployed more as a left forward rather than a left winger, as his heatmap above shows. Therefore, there are fewer players for the Brazil star to beat when he bears down on goal.
With more space afforded to him, the Brazil international is presented with more goalscoring chances. As a result, Neymar is averaging more shots per league match this season (3.3) than last (2.6). The rise in confidence following his impressive World Cup would have contributed to a higher shot count, but his increased responsibility in attack means he is now considered one of Barcelona's primary goalscorers, rather than a creator.
This is highlighted, not only in his number of assists in Spain's top tier (Neymar has 1 this season, down from 8), but also his average number of key passes per game (0.7, down from 1.6). It remains to be seen whether or not Enrique has instructed Neymar to be more selfish in front of goal, but if he has, the tack is evidently paying off. Having scored freely during his time at Santos, Neymar’s goal-getting ability was never really called into doubt, but rather whether he could adjust to the rigours of La Liga.
After what some may claim was an underwhelming first season at Camp Nou, the Brazilian has discovered his goalscoring touch in Spain. Where Martino’s style perhaps became a little predictable, restricting his influence, Enrique’s approach has seen the player flourish this campaign. Big things were expected of Neymar upon the culmination of the World Cup, and subsequent return to fitness, and he has not failed to disappoint.
Messi will be the main man at Camp Nou for the foreseeable future, of that there is no doubt, but Neymar’s form this term has eased the pressure and dependency on the Argentine. Neymar is now more involved in the Barcelona attack and his early season league form has aided the Blaugrana in the pursuit of their 23rd Liga title.
How impressed have you been with Neymar after his excellent start to the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
Overhyped. Barcellona had better players in the past, it's not only a matter of goals, I prefer Pedro Villa and Eto'o. For theoney spent neymar should be an alter ego of Messi. Indeed he's no better than Sanchez.
He's one of the rare players today who's better for country than for club. For Barca he's been decent so far this season, scoring some good goals but a lot of them due to great work by Messi. For Brazil he's a completely different player, takes over everything from corners, FKs, PKs. It has to be said though, Brazil style of play is suited for Neymar, they go counter-attacking with speed and don't lock him in the LW.
@lolzzzzzzzz His Brasil style of play is based on pure selfishness, with the concept of a team thrown out of the favela.
The goals aren't of a high quality. He holds the ball much too long. Is dispossessed easily. Rarely looks for teammates. Most of the time dribbles backwards towards his own goal.
Further, also on 10 goals are Gignac, Aguero, Costa, and Lacazette. Compare the quality in their goals with Neymar's. Night and day.
Actually I think he's only finishing, he seems to lost his flair at the beginning of the season, but it will change propably
He's great and his understanding with Leo on the pitch is superb this season.
It's not entirely Messi's and Neymar's fault... just compare Barcelona and Real Madrid How many players on Barca have 3 or more goals? 2 How many players on Real have 3 or more goals? 5 (including one guy who has 18 and is averaging 2 per game... he has more than Messi and Neymar combined) How many players on Barca have 2 or more assists? 3 (And one just showed up) How many players on Real have 2 or more assists? 9 The problem isn't Messi and Neymar, its the entire squad... look at what happens when Messi can't 90 goals a year
Neymar himself opened up the space for the shot, c'mon, Pepe and Carvajal were right next to him. Just few quick steps got him in enough space from Pepe to shoot. How many players should be dealing with Neymar then, 4?