The 2013/14 Spanish La Liga campaign kicked off brightly for Gerardo Martino’s new side. A total of seven goals were scored in a purely one-sided affair against Levante last Sunday.
The home crowd witnessed strikes from Dani Alves, Lionel Messi, Pedro and Xavi after Alexis Sanchez offered the hosts a dream start with the opener after three minutes. This fixture symbolized the Blaugrana’s best ever commencement in the league since the 1950/51 season when they defeated Real Sociedad 8-2.
If there was any downside in Barcelona’s 7-0 trouncing of Levante, it would be Neymar’s lack of contribution. The young Brazilian had approximately half an hour to impress on his debut, as he came off the bench for Chile’s Sanchez.
Unlike fellow countryman Romario who hit a hat-trick in his first La Liga game for Barca twenty years ago, Neymar failed to open his goal scoring account. Instead, the 21-year-old finished the night in the referee’s book for fouling Juanfran.
However, he completed 19 out of 21 passes and charmed the public with a few tricks that revealed his brilliance.
“It's difficult to imagine someone as good as Neymar not being able to bring something to Barcelona,” coach Gerardo Martino said last Friday.
Indeed, Neymar may find his rhythm in European football but just how long will it take for him to shine at his brightest? Martino explained:
“We want to put him into the team little by little, without pressuring him. We're going to be careful about Neymar, but he's a great player and will give a lot to the team.”
Fresh from his Confederations Cup triumph with Brazil in June, Neymar is determined to live up to expectations and enjoy his dream move from Santos to Barcelona. Relieving him from pressure will surely help him adapt to his role at the Camp Nou but keeping him on the bench more than on the field could also kill his confidence and passion for the Catalans.
Neymar wants to play; last weekend, his body language on the bench seemed to reveal some kind of annoyance at not being an instant First XI choice. Unfortunately for the youngster, he might not get a lot of playing time throughout the first few weeks of the 2013/14 season.
Against Atletico Madrid this Wednesday, the Brazilian attacker will likely not make a full-match appearance. However, it will be his duty to make the most of the time he will be given – so as to prove that he is disciplined enough to work under the directions of his new mentors at Barcelona.
The prospect of laying hands on silverware as early as this August is too flattering for Neymar to miss. For the player, on an individual note, the Supercopa de Espana represents a platform to immediately impose his influence in Spain.
La Liga titleholders Barcelona certainly have what it takes to knock down the reigning Copa del Rey champions. But even if they do, would Neymar play a starring role?
The first leg of the 2013 Spanish Super Cup kicks off at 17:00 ET on Wednesday, August 21, 2013. The second leg will take place at the same time on August 28, 2013. Real Madrid are the current champions.
