Brazil’s national team manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has criticised Barcelona’s use of star striker Neymar. Despite being signed in what could turn out to be the world record transfer fee, Neymar has not been played in his favourite position. At his previous clubs and also for the national team, Neymar place on the left of a three-man striking force. However, Gerardo Martino has been utilising the young striker on the right way to the left being favoured by either Andres Iniesta or some of the youngsters. After starting his Barcelona career in excellent fashion, Neymar has been looking off colour in recent weeks.
Scolari, who regards Neymar as one of the finest talent he has ever managed, says that the club are not getting the best out of the 21-year-old. Neymar proved his worth by scoring the equaliser in Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. He was found by an excellent ball from Iniesta and he slotted home from the left. Scolari has also criticised the Spanish media by saying that they have been too critical of Neymar. The striker has been signed for a reported £ 86 million and his wages would potentially makes him the highest transfer in world football.
He has been constantly compared with Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale.
“Neymar hasn’t shone at Barca because they play different to what he is used to. He’s better when he has space, but Barcelona have him playing on the right. The Spanish press has one opinion about Neymar and the Brazilian press has another. For the national team he’s a special player and he plays in a different way to how he does at Barca. This can be Neymar’s World Cup, we can be sure of that,” said Scolari, who is making Brazil one of the best in the world again.