Neymar Media Scrutiny in Absence of Lionel Messi Criticised by Luis Enrique

The focus has fallen heavily on Brazilian superstar Neymar after the injury and absence of Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi. 

The Argentina captain recently suffered knee damage, sidelining the player for an expected eight weeks, according to Sky Sports, forcing the likes of Neymar and Luis Suarez to step forwards.

However, Barca struggled against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday, needing a second-half comeback to win the points, with Neymar's finishing under scrutiny against the Germans.

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Sam Marsden of Sport reported on Blaugrana manager Luis Enrique's thoughts after the European tie, with the coach highlighting Neymar's effort within the team structure and criticising the media's skewed focus:

"

For me Neymar was very good. And for me it’s a mistake by the media to create this idea that other players have to work hard now that we are missing Messi — so when he comes back they can relax again? 

This is a team, we have 11 players on the pitch and more than 20 in the squad. This is a team and everyone has to give 100 per cent all the time.

"

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Neymar is certainly used to the weight of the world being on his shoulders, as the population of Brazil worship at his feet every time he wears the Canarinho shirt. However, stepping into Messi's shoes is a different prospect for the attacker, who is used to playing second fiddle when in his club's colours.

Barca have started the season with a treble-winning hangover, and the loss of Messi amplifies the current feeling of malaise at the Camp Nou. 

However, Neymar has started the new season in decent form, scoring three goals in five La Liga matches, as recorded by WhoScored.com.

But Barcelona lack a certain kind of leadership in Messi's absence, and it is questionable whether Neymar can step into the huge void. 

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Neymar spoke to AS (h/t Dejan Kalinic of Goal) after the tough victory against Leverkusen and commented on the pressure felt from Barca's support: "Yes, it is difficult when the fans are not with us. I'm very happy for the victory, but we suffered a lot to win the match. The important thing was to win, and we did everything to make goals and we won."

It is interesting the player spoke about the reaction of the fans and suggests he understands the demands that he must now master as he deputises for an icon. Neymar concluded: "I did my job. We have to know how to play without Messi, and win so he is back with us in good shape."

However, football writer Rafael Hernandez believes the Brazilian needs to further step up to the plate, comparing his recent performances to the currently poor Eden Hazard of Chelsea:

There is little doubt Neymar is one of the elite talents on the planet, but the expectations at Barca are always so high that any defeat is seen as a huge crisis, even before it manifests into something more tangible.

Messi's injury will certainly strain Enrique's options in the coming weeks, but the combination of Neymar and Suarez should see off most opponents. 

However, Barca's defence has never been world class, and the offset from their delicious attack has always been their biggest strength.

Messi allows the team to defend from the front, but in his absence, Neymar will have to replicate the Argentinian's form in order to allow the Catalans to continue their domination in the short term. 

It will be a tough few weeks for Neymar, but it's an excellent opportunity for the player to step out of the shadows of Barca's greatest-ever entity.