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“Neymar Rarely Played Football For the Team” – Al Hilal Star’s Selfish Gameplay Exposed by Outspoken Journalist

Published 10/16/2023, 12:43 PM EDT

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People expected Neymar to represent the next generation of Brazilian soccer players who would win big trophies. Brazil depended on Neymar to carry the baton, but the challenge was too heavy for the Al Hilal star. After scoring the magical goal against Croatia in the last World Cup, things have changed for the 31-year-old star. There is constant criticism surrounding the soccer star, and one expert recently as well did not hesitate to take him on.

Undoubtedly, Brazil has a lot of talented players who they can pluck from every corner of the country. Teenage sensations like Vitor Roque and Endrick Felipe are going to big European clubs at a very early age. This can be a heads-up for senior players to make a mark or make way for the next generation to take over.

Neymar bashed for not displaying characteristics of being a team player

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The results of the past few years have proved Brazil to be vulnerable in high-pressure situations. Even though the team got through the group stage of the World Cup, it could not ace the trophy. Hosting the position of a senior player and seeing his contribution to the game, Neymar was called a self-centered player by one journalist in a recent article, addressing him to be lacking team spirit.

Juca Kfouri, a senior sports journalist, said, “Because Neymar rarely played soccer for the whole team. He has invariably played for himself, except for his Barcelona days, when Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi wouldn’t let him.”

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World Soccer knows Neymar for his excellent dribbling skills and the Brazilian also provided the assist for Gabriel Magalhaes’s goal in the last draw against Venezuela. However, the journalist blamed the forward for not playing a generous game. Per him, the former Barcelona player takes on the opponents just by himself instead of passing to his mates, making the team vulnerable.

In the 2018 World Cup, he scored and assisted twice but was criticized for missing many opportunities and dramatizing the fouls. The journalist also pointed out that Neymar scored goals for himself, as many of his solo attempts could have been an opportunity for the team.

Neymar is a hindrance for other players, comments a journalist

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The senior journalist also stated that Neymar’s persistent ball retention diminishes the effectiveness of other players, such as Vinicius Junior. He pointed out that when Neymar refuses to pass and chooses to dribble alone, it negatively affects the other attacking players, both emotionally and tactically.

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After being unsuccessful, the player then complains and waits for a foul instead of passing the ball. Juca also said that the new coach Diniz can find it difficult to put Neymar aside as even a strong manager like Tite could not do it. The journalist was asking if only Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival would take a step to move Neymar out of the team.

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Neymar also received the wrath of the fans as they threw popcorn at him after Brazil scored a draw with Venezuela. The expectations from the Brazilian fans are changing for the $438 million baby. However, is he young enough to adapt to the requirements is the question.

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Written by:

Ruthu

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Ruthu has a deep passion for soccer, particularly for Arsenal Football Club and the legendary Lionel Messi. With a fervent interest in sports journalism, he enjoys covering soccer from around the world. Alongside his dedication to soccer, Ruthu has a professional background as a qualified Clinical Pharmacist.
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Edited by:

Aazima Basharat