Barcelona accept a strong Athletic Bilbao side on Saturday, and it would be the ideal time for Neymar to declare his motives for the season forward to the viewing Camp Nou crowd.Barca fans will be optimistic that the recent shows for his national side and a 30-minute cameo in the last league sport at Villarreal are a sign that Neymar will step up and create the level of performances that he is capable of in the coming seasonWhile just 22 years of age, the forward has had to develop up quickly, and the responsibility of guiding his side at last summer's World Cup should have assisted him with his progress.
In terms to the media ahead of Tuesday night's activity with Ecuador in New Jersey, the Brazilian obviously wished to show off a new mature side to his character."Many things have changed for me recently. I have discovered a lot in the last 3 or 4 years. I have grown as a player and become more professional. I have discovered from other more knowledgeable gamers in the national side and at my organizations. I feel as if I have learned a lot".Recently made Brazilian captain by new coach Dunga, Neymar went on to evaluate the situation in the team with some measured words.We have to adapt to our new coach, listen to him and ask him about everything so we can improve".
The same can be said of his situation at club level where he still needs to convince manager Luis Enrique of his full worth to the team. Enrique was rumoured to be unhappy about the way the player took the time to sign the boot of a fan as he warmed up at the beginning of the second half at Villarreal, but when he did finally come on, he showed enough to suggest he has turned a corner.In a match in which Barca were having problems in breaking down the home defence, Neymar added an extra dimension to their attacking play and was crucial in the build-up for the only goal.An ankle sprain at the beginning of the season postponed his first appearance of the season for Barca, and the international break will have given him the extra time to focus on a heavy schedule of games for the club from now until Christmas.
The Brazilian had hardly recovered from the cracked vertebra that ended his World Cup dreams against Colombia when injury struck again. Last season was similarly dogged by time on the treatment table and a long run of games starting with Saturday's game would be beneficial for both Barca and the player.He responded brilliantly to being named Brazil captain with a great free kick to seize the only goal of the match against Colombia at the weekend, and all eyes in Barcelona will be on what he can do against Ecuador on Tuesday and if he can make it back to Spain on Wednesday in one piece.Barca fans will expect to the next stage of maturity and performance to what they were given in his first season at the club. The signs were there against Villarreal and if he can help his side to a third win -- to kick off start their league campaign in style -- all will be rosy for Neymar.
In terms to the media ahead of Tuesday night's activity with Ecuador in New Jersey, the Brazilian obviously wished to show off a new mature side to his character."Many things have changed for me recently. I have discovered a lot in the last 3 or 4 years. I have grown as a player and become more professional. I have discovered from other more knowledgeable gamers in the national side and at my organizations. I feel as if I have learned a lot".Recently made Brazilian captain by new coach Dunga, Neymar went on to evaluate the situation in the team with some measured words.We have to adapt to our new coach, listen to him and ask him about everything so we can improve".
The same can be said of his situation at club level where he still needs to convince manager Luis Enrique of his full worth to the team. Enrique was rumoured to be unhappy about the way the player took the time to sign the boot of a fan as he warmed up at the beginning of the second half at Villarreal, but when he did finally come on, he showed enough to suggest he has turned a corner.In a match in which Barca were having problems in breaking down the home defence, Neymar added an extra dimension to their attacking play and was crucial in the build-up for the only goal.An ankle sprain at the beginning of the season postponed his first appearance of the season for Barca, and the international break will have given him the extra time to focus on a heavy schedule of games for the club from now until Christmas.
The Brazilian had hardly recovered from the cracked vertebra that ended his World Cup dreams against Colombia when injury struck again. Last season was similarly dogged by time on the treatment table and a long run of games starting with Saturday's game would be beneficial for both Barca and the player.He responded brilliantly to being named Brazil captain with a great free kick to seize the only goal of the match against Colombia at the weekend, and all eyes in Barcelona will be on what he can do against Ecuador on Tuesday and if he can make it back to Spain on Wednesday in one piece.Barca fans will expect to the next stage of maturity and performance to what they were given in his first season at the club. The signs were there against Villarreal and if he can help his side to a third win -- to kick off start their league campaign in style -- all will be rosy for Neymar.
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