By Michel Pierre-Louis
For the last few years, soccer fans worldwide have been waiting impatiently to find out where Brazilian sensation, Neymar, would play after his career with Santos. Sought after by the greatest clubs in the world, most notably Spanish giants Real Madrid & Barcelona; Neymar ultimately chose to play for the team that’s been considered as the greatest soccer team ever: Catalan giant – Barcelona.
In doing so, Neymar will be adding his name to the list of Brazilian greats that have previously donned the blaugrana jersey – such as Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho to name a few. He will be playing alongside the likes of Iniesta, Xavi and the already legendary Argentinian, Messi.
The expectations for Neymar and the club are astronomical. Barcelona has spoiled soccer fanatics worldwide, and sure enough, the club is expected to win every single one of its matches, in every single competition, by a large margin while playing soccer that is entertaining to the eyes. Add this latest star – Neymar – to the mix, and we can already envision “the end of the world” when this club loses – or tie for that matter – its first match.
Neymar is joining a club where great talents such as Alexis Sanchez, David Villa, and Cesc Fabregas – to name a few – have been struggling for playing time recently. One cannot be “good enough” to play for this club: you have to be the best at what you do. How will Neymar fit in?
Barcelona is a club known for promoting players from its development academy (La Masia), yet they were willing to bring in this 21 years old kid. How will he adapt to their playing style? How will he handle playing in Europe, where the game is much more physical? How will he handle a clasico at the Bernabeu?
So many questions to be answered; only time will tell. If the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup is any indication however, Neymar is certainly up to the challenge. When all eyes were on him, he responded very well and delivered the Cup to the Selecao.
While many have criticized his diving antics, one cannot deny the talent that he possesses. As with any other previous campaigns, Barcelona will be expected to win everything they take part of, and opposing teams certainly have their work cut out for them. Neymar will be expected to play a huge role in such success. In a few months’ time, will be talking about one of the greatest flops in modern soccer history or will we be watching in amazement as this soccer club – and its newest star – take the world by storm? Stay tuned…
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