Neymar Heroics Show He Can Elevate Barcelona to Another Level
There was a time when Neymar was viewed as an impressive youngster with plenty of room to stretch into as he continued to improve. He was considered on the same level as the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Eden Hazard.
But during last season, he outgrew those two players, even as the latter helped fire Chelsea to the Premier League title and the former, Arsenal to the FA Cup.
Neymar's efforts helped secure Barcelona a stunning treble, but because of the continued supernatural greatness of Lionel Messi, it was difficult to accurately judge Neymar's contribution.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
Clearly both he and Luis Suarez offered the team a lot, forming a front line that eviscerated almost every defence put before it. But an overall valuation was tough to reach.
Messi's injury, while clearly not a good thing for Barcelona, does at least allow us to see Neymar shine alone. After a poor performance against Bayer Leverkusen in the first game Messi missed, he was electric against Sevilla.
The international break came and went, and all eyes were on Neymar again for this clash against Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou.
And they were focused on the right man. It was a dynamite performance from the Brazilian. He scored four goals to blow away Paco Jemez's team and set one up for Luis Suarez to seal the 5-2 win.
It was not a good Barcelona performance. The visitors had more possession and made some clear-cut chances. Ivan Rakitic, Gerard Pique and Dani Alves were out of sorts, among others.
Even Luis Suarez was wasteful. After a short while, Barcelona sat back, put their feet up and watched the Neymar show.
Rayo took the lead through Javi Guerra, leaving the fans frustrated after Suarez and Rakitic had passed up clear goalscoring opportunities.
But Neymar, who had already been tugged back on the edge of the box but wasn't given a penalty, was then chopped down in the area by Diego Llorente.
He stood up and converted, low, into the bottom left corner. Fifteen minutes later, he was at it again.
This time a superb piece of skill left Nacho all at sea and the defender was forced to bring him down in the box again. He stroked it home, low once more, into the bottom right.
Even though the goals were from the penalty spot, Neymar had earned both of them. He should have been given a third, clear penalty when hacked down in the box again, but it was not given.
No matter. Neymar continued to pull Barcelona up by their boots and after Suarez's shot was well saved by Tono he rifled the rebound into the roof of the net.
The Uruguayan then laid one on a plate for the Brazilian to roll home, before he returned the favour, swinging a perfect cross to the back post for Suarez to net.
Luis Enrique was thrilled with Neymar's display, which was the sort of performance that should see him on the Ballon d'Or podium with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo come January.
Per Sport, Lucho said: "Neymar is electric. Defences can either foul him and give way a penalty or he will score goals. He’s really, really good. In two words? Impresionante (brilliant)."
To be considered on the same level as Messi, Neymar would need to do what he does consistently. Over months, if not seasons.
But in terms of sheer influence he has eclipsed his competition and is now reaching the stratosphere, orbiting the two greats, but far from the other, earthly talents he was compared to.
The question now is not if Neymar will become the best player in the world, but when. And as he continues to grow, like during this game, he can put the team on his shoulders and carry them with him.
