Nobody will deny that Neymar is the most talented footballer of his age group in the world. Many see him, including me, that he is to be the next superstar when Lionel Messi finally fades away.
Well, talent is one thing, and actually showing it on the pitch is a whole other thing. As of now, we see this brilliance when he puts on the famous yellow and blue of Brazil but with Barcelona, it's not been seen and that is a detriment to all of us football fans.
With Neymar moving to Barcelona, it was major news. Yet another Brazilian who has joined the Catalan club, following in the footsteps of Romario, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. The idea was for him to be the next in line to be the star of the club and follow in the traditions of how Brazilians have won the hearts of the Nou Camp.
One problem though: Lionel Messi.
For all those Brazilians that came before, they were the biggest stars in that team. So whether it was Van Gaal or Rijkaard, they all looked to their Brazilian marquee star to influence the team and push them forward.
It's not the case for this Barcelona team. This is Messi's setup, and he runs the show, with nobody having an argument to say otherwise. His medals, performances and influence give him more than enough leeway to do what he wants, when he wants.
Where does that leave Neymar?
Out on the wing, having to always defer to Messi and not being given the kind of freedom he is afforded when playing for Brazil. That means the very best of Neymar can't be seen at Barcelona because he is at his most graceful and appealing when the shackles are off.
The longer this goes on, the more it will slowly start to creep into his performances for Brazil and the less likely we will be able to see the next great superstar in the next three to four years. That is really in danger of happening, and I don't want that.
How does this change?
Neymar won't want to hear this and I doubt he would even entertain it, but a move away from Barcelona would be advisable. As much as this has always been his dream move, and how he would want to emulate his heroes, he's got to look out for number one.
A player must always go to a club that benefits him the most, not the biggest or the most marketable. It must always be about you and being in the environment that best shows your skills and assets.
Neymar is in danger of just merely being a really good player who could have been great. It would be a terrible shame because I think Neymar could do things that marvel the eye, and make you leap from your sofa in joy.
But he's got to be in the right team and system that allows him to do so.
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