Neymar Junior, the Brazilian evolution

The almost minute-by-minute analysis of what goes on at Barcelona often perverts the vision we have of some players. Beyond short-term form and numbers, Neymar has not stopped growing since he joined the club and he is, with each passing season, a more complete footballer player, better at everything. On the way, surely, to be the No.1.  

“Of all those that have passed through Barça, only Rivlado trained like Neymar does. He’s the best trainer of them all and it tells on the pitch,” says David Espinar, one of the journalists who best knows the Brazilians that have played for the Blaugrana, players that he’s worked with throughout his career, leading to his role now as Ronaldo’s director of communications. 

And that does not mean that Neymar doesn’t have time to enjoy himself, but “the difference with respect to the others is that Neymar does what he does, when he has to train, he trains. The distractions don't last,” reasons Espinar. 

You can notice physically, too, in the player. “He’s improved a lot since he arrived at Barça. And that’s down to how much he works,” explains someone who works with Brazilian Federation who prefers not to be named but has known Neymar since he was very young. Since before he joined Barcelona. 

People within the Brazilian national team set-up talk of “one of the references, even though he’s very young. Only someone so mentally strong responds as he did when he took that penalty in the Olympic Games in Brazil. It’s not easy having a whole country behind you.” 

David Espinar agrees and adds that, despite all the kicks he receives and the off-the-pitch problems, “Neymar’s behaviour is very patient and he seeks refuge playing football. Some of his compatriots would have responded in another way” to everything which the forward’s been through since signing for Barça. For better or for worse, he never hides and always assumes responsibility.

Neymar’s a multinational company with legs that plays football very well, which is, in fact, the oil which greases the machine. 

“Ronaldo was advanced for his time and, like him, Neymar clearly understands what a footballer has to be away from the pitch,” Espinar analyses. The Blaugrana No.11 has an organised environment which frees him, even in Barcelona, from aspects other than the day-to-day life of a professional. Both in terms of communication and press and sponsorship commitments. He fulfils all his obligations, but always prioritises football. 

He has been the leader of the Brazil team for various years, but he is still only 25 and still very young. “He has improved at everything since being with Barça, but there’s still huge room for growth. We have still not seen him at his maximum level,” assure those who have worked with him with the national team. 

In this sense, there’s no doubt that he will “possibly win a Ballon d’Or because he’s the generational heir to Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. I don’t see any young player at his level which could occupy the space currently filled by those two.” He has the potential and the ambition to, one day, be the best.  

Neymar will defend his way of playing right down to the very last consequences, but he has no problem admitting the errors he can make, both in terms of football and in terms of behaviour. He humbly assumes fault with the aim of improving everything that he possibly can. He knows that every detail counts.