Neymar has been proving that he has everything in him to become a great footballer but can he make it count in the upcoming Copa America?

Copa America = Baptism Of Fire?

Some call him the next Pele, while some insist that he could be better than what Pele was. However, the truth remains uncovered and shall stay so until Neymar proves himself on the international stage. Not to say that  he has been suffering from the 'super-for-club, poor-for-country' disease but Neymar has only just been inserted into the Brazilian team.

That moment when the youngster scored six brilliant goals as Santos thumped Guarani 8-1 in April 2010 opened the eyes of many but despite pleas from Pele and Romario, Neymar was never included in Brazil's squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. His talent was already spreading all the way to Europe and not too long after that, Santos rejected a £12 million bid from West Ham United and the player made a decisive choice of staying put in Brazil. Twelve months later, the young lad is already being priced at an incredible €45m. Well, nobody can blame Santos with Neymar already proving to be an absolute revelation on all fronts.

 

However, the Santos striker has not totally proved himself at the international arena yet. Yes, he has scored a total of three goals in five games for the Selecaos' but all of them have arrived in friendly matches. Having been left out of last year's World Cup squad, the upcoming Copa America will be his first major tournament for the Canaries. A baptism of fire by all means. Will he make it count?

Lowlights And Highlights

Lowlights

2009 U-17 World Cup: Despite putting on some impressive performances, Neymar was unable from preventing two defeats in the group stages for Brazil. He did score in their only victory against Japan but nonetheless, it was not enough to prevent Brazil from making a group stage exit.

2010 World Cup Squad Selection: Neymar was being tipped to make Dunga's squad and despite alarming cries from Pele and Romario, the Santos forward was excluded from the World Cup squad. The decision was more painful for Neymar as he was named the best player in the Campeano Paulista prior to that with 14 goals in 19 games.

Highlights

2010 Friendly Vs USA: Neymar was inserted into Brazil's squad by new coach Mano Menezes and he was handed his international debut right from the start. Neymar made it a day to remember by scoring a header after some good work by Andre Santos down the flanks.

Awards

Below is a short list of the awards that Neymar has been bestowed with over the years:

- Best Young Player (Sao Paolo State League 2009)

- Best Forward And Best Player (Sao Paolo State League 2010 and 2011)

- Golden Boot (Most goals in all competition in Brazil 2010)

- Top Scorer (Brazil Cup 2010)

- Top Scorer (South American Youth Championship 2011)

Strength And Weaknesses

There will definitely be a period in the future when Neymar's name itself will send chills down opposition spines. It's obvious to see that the lad is too good for the Brazilian League and has the ability to tear defences apart. He can shoot, he can crack a glorious pass at anytime in a game and definitely has the vision needed to be a perfect footballer. However, the only thing that can literally screw up his chances of being a true legend is his own attitude. Neymar is capable of producing wild moments on the field, with diving and sulking forming representing a huge part of it. It will all depend on him this time around. Will be seize the chance or could he be the master of his own downfall? The video attached below provides some detailed look into his fantastic capabilities.

 

Current Form And Condition

Neymar is coming off a superb season with Santos and confidence will be at an absolute high, especially after he scored in Santos' triumph in the Copa Libertadores final. However, focus and concentration will be the key. His future is one of the most heated discussion of the summer so far and it will be important for him to keep his mind focused on performing for Brazil. At such a young age, distraction could be a massive enemy and Neymar has to stand strong for himself now.