Barcelona FC recently won the race over their Spanish rivals Real Madrid to the signature of Brazilian superstar Neymar.
The former Santos player, who cost the club just over $80 million will join the likes of Iniesta, Xavi and current four-time Ballon d’Or Messi at the Catalan giants next season.
The big question is whether Messi and Neymar, two of the world’s best attacking talents in their own rights, can work together.
This past week, Neymar has been showing the world his sublime talents at the Confederations Cup for his nation, Brazil. For football supporters who do not follow the South American leagues, this has been their first opportunity to witness his skill, and he has certainly impressed.
Three goals in as many matches during the group stages of the tournament, and claiming man of the match honours in each of these matches, has certainly got the football world noticing this young Brazilian. He is clearly performing for his country, but can he perform for Barcelona next season?
Neymar is used to being the star of the show, firstly for his nation as we are all witnessing, and secondly at his former club Santos. 54 goals in just 103 matches for the Brazilian club proves that he is a clinical finisher.
As well as his goal scoring ability, he has a skill set that any young footballer would dream of having, and can be witnessed with just a quick search on Youtube.
The 21-year-old has decided that now is the time to test himself in Europe and he will get to play alongside Lionel Messi. The Argentinian, who needs no introducing, is widely regarded as the best player in the world.
He has been the star of the show of the almighty Barcelona side since the departure of Ronaldinho back in 2008, and has taken the club to an all new level. Champions League titles, La Liga titles, Copa del Reys, and many more footballing honours have been won in those five years.
So can two players who are used to being the main player of their respective clubs play together? Only time will tell, but we have seen in the past that two dominant forwards struggle to play together.
We saw how both Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres, when they were both at Chelsea, were too similar in the way they played. This caused the managers at the London-based club to not name both players in the starting line-up.
This may also happen at Barcelona with these two South-American forwards if things don’t work out, particularly at the start of the season while the two discover a way to play together.
For the sake of all football supporters, barring maybe the Real Madrid fans, I hope these two footballing geniuses can both play on the same field as each other to entertain us all for the years to come. Bring on the highlights!
Fra-Dog
Roar Rookie
The 120+ mins that Spain had to play in the semi final against Italy, you would have to believe it will take its toll on the spaniards. As well as the majority of the crowds against them, it'll be a big ask for the world and European champions. But you cannot rule out this Spanish side, class all over the park. Also the Brazilian defence can be very suspect in the big matches. I can see both sides finding the back of the net in a high scoring affair :) Tip: Spain to find a way to win another major final.
AZ_RBB
Guest
slightly off topic but... Spain v Brazil. who are we all tipping? i think Brazil can win it. the main reason Spain won this morning because despite all the great chances Italy created they lacked the striking ability to hit the back of the net. Brazil have liberal amounts of striking ability. If their defence can stay disciplined I think Brazil might just have it. add to that the home ground advantage and the fact that Spain will be exhausted after this morning's 120 +pens epic in tropical heat, Brazil have a very good chance to beat the World +Euro champs.
eduardo
Guest
I share the opinion of the Brazilian professionals, who voted Neymar 'hors concours': in my opinon Neymar is better than Ronaldo, not better than Pele. Messi is the best dribbler, has a nice and accurate finish, seems to be difficult to defend, but: only one foot, no header, soso athletics do not make him a favorite for me, just like Maradona - the steroid monster.
Jacques
Guest
i cant wait to see them together
Jayden
Guest
For the national team he plays out wide, last I checked though he was striking at Santos That's what I personally think Barca signed him for, a pure striker. If they have another striker out wide they'll be ineffectual again. As we saw with Bayern, two pure wingers were devastating
Steve
Guest
Jayden, Neymar rarely plays in the middle. This partnership will work, purely because it will give Messi more freedom. Don't kid ourselves yet though, Messi is still light years ahead of Neymar, and the man scores that many goals even when the opposiing defence solely focus on him. With another incisive attacker to attract the defence, Messi will only be more devastating
Jayden
Guest
Robben and Ribery play wings, they can't really get in each others way without being in the completely wrong position. Ronaldo was an insode forward at United coming in from the wing Torres and Drogba played in a formation with two out and out strikers.Unlike barca Messi and Neymar will both be in the middle, it'll be difficult at the start. But give it a year or so.
Yusuf hammed
Guest
Yes, the two player can work together. 1st bayern munich are also using robben with ribery nd mario gomez or mazuki on the pitch which not cause any problem to the team nd also, chelsea are using torres along side with drogba, man united using ronaldo along with rooney which not cause any problem to the team. Please mr president let it be like that messi and neymar thats a very good forwards that will be make their opponent to be scared and also, i oppose the motion that said messi could be sold just because of neymar, neymar can't be compair to messi and neymar can't do all messi work. Mr president please don't sell messi because in messi we trust and no one like him. Up barca
Kane Cassidy
Roar Guru
Yes.
Jukes
Guest
This pairing will be a perfect match from football heaven.