He may be Brazil’s most idolized football player in years, but doubts still linger over the Barcelona superstar’s ability to lead his national team.
That is according to former Selecao ace Leonardo, who has blasted the 23-year-old former Santos attacker for showing immaturity whilst wearing the armband.
These comments on Neymar, a player who enjoyed a tremendous campaign with the Blaugrana last season, scoring 39 goals in 51 games in all competitions for the Catalan giants, comes after a disastrous showing in the 2015 Copa America in Chile.
Hopes were high for the five-time World Cup champions, but their chances off lifting their first title since 2007 were dashed when Neymar was given a red-card and a subsequent four-match ban for head-butting Colombia’s Jeison Murillo in the 1-0 group stage defeat.
Brazil made it out of their group, but crashed out in the next round at the hands of Paraguay.
"Neymar is a great player, but he doesn't have the maturity to lead Brazil and take the team by his hand," said Leonardo, speaking to SporTV.
Leonardo, however, did praise Neymar for the growth he has shown since making his switch to La Liga, saying:
"I criticised him a lot when he played in Brazil.
"He took the ball and only wanted to dribble with it and make the difference. Today, he can also play without the ball. I didn't think he could do that - it is a question of mentality.
"Previously he didn't take free-kicks. Now, he's a big threat from set-pieces. There are a multitude of things a great player can improve on."
Neymar, who has netted 44 times in 65 appearances, was handed the captain’s armband by Dunga after the 2014 World Cup, and is expected to take part in Saturday’s friendly against Costa Rica.
