Mmasekepe Matsebane
Not a finished product yet, but there is no doubt
that Brazil young sensation
Neymar da Silva Santos
Júnior, better known as Neymar, has caught the attention of everyone around the world, especially Barcelona fans.
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| I Have Arrived: Neymar announced his name to the world with a stunning volley against Japan in the 2013 Fifa Confederations Cup. |
The young eccentric forward has so far scored two
spectacular goals in a tournament that has been billed as the Neymar show for
months. It might be early, but it looks as though the young forward is living to the billing.
The Selecao has over the years used the
Confederations Cup to gauge their preparedness for the big one, the World Cup,
but although this time they look far from a complete team, there is still hope
that Brazil can expect Neymar to thrill them with his magic.
In the first 25-30 minutes against Mexico, where
Brazil showed glimpses of what they can do, it was all Neymar on the field and
as a result, a top drawer first time left footed volley saw Estadio Fortaleza explode
into celebrations.
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| Tricky Lion And The Wolves: The technically gifted Neymar fends off challenges from four Mexico players. |
Even the second goal by Jo, thanks to Neymar's assist, was nothing lack of delight
from the fast paced forward.
The last time Brazil bore testimony to dazzling
football was when Ronaldinho was terrorizing defenders at the pinnacle of
his career.
Some great footwork to leave two Mexico players
chasing his shadow, Neymar picked his spot.
Conscious that he could not score from the tight angle, the youngster fed Jo, who made no mistake from close range.
Conscious that he could not score from the tight angle, the youngster fed Jo, who made no mistake from close range.
Before that, Neymar showed off his outrageous
acceleration when he beat Mexico left back Gerardo Flores, but his shot went heartbreakingly
wide.
Apart from the two magnificent free kicks scored
by Luis Suarez and Andrea Pirlo already in the tournament, there is no disputing
the fact that Neymar’s opening goal against Japan was nothing short of mastermind.
Though selfish at times, his alertness
on the field and his technique has left the Mexico defense biting the dust.
Surely, no questions can be raised about his
trickery, but his prima donna antics and dives leave a sour taste in the mouths
of those in line to worship him.
On many occasions, the 21 year old whiz-kid just
went to the floor in hysterical fashion at any contact from a Mexican player
and referee Howard Webb either waved play on, or stopped play to check if the
new hot property in the world of football was fine.
Of course, he will get a lot of booking if he
continues his diving antics as European referees will be harsher (Webb is a
European referee, but he seemed too soft on the player).
It is of great significance to remember that
Neymar, the man thought to be the new Pele all around Brazil, is only 21.
As things stand, Neymar is well on course to being
a Ballon d’Or winner. That much is inevitable.
His real rivals at the moment, Lionel Messi and
Cristiano Ronaldo were also sizzling at the age of 21, but not any can claim to
have won as much as Neymar at that particular age.
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| Taking Off: In looks like Neymar has takes off and the sky is sure going to be his limit. |
Ronaldo was far from a finished product back in
2005, but he went on to win the FifPro Special Young Player of the Year award
and at the same age, Lionel Messi was voted second in the Fifa World Player of
the Year award.
To further justify the hype that many were
doubting going into the 2013 Fifa Confederations Cup, Neymar has already had a
taste of the Fifa Puskas award, was voted Player of the Year in 2011 at only
19, South American Footballer of the Year in 2011 and 2012, won the Golden Boot
three times in Brazil between 2010 and 2012.
With good development at Barcelona, which he will
obviously get, the youngster looks to have what it takes to rival Messi as the
best player on the planet.
Problem will only arise if Tito Vilanova decide to
give Neymar a secondary role to that of Messi to keep the Argentinean’s shine
going.
But if Neymar is to improve his physique, mental toughness and learn to live with the reality that European football is tough, he can go all the way to be the first Brazilian to win the Ballon d’Or after Kaka last won it in 2007.
But if Neymar is to improve his physique, mental toughness and learn to live with the reality that European football is tough, he can go all the way to be the first Brazilian to win the Ballon d’Or after Kaka last won it in 2007.
mokgalakamo@gmail.com
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