Barcelona is going to be without the services of their superstar Lionel Messi until at least December. Neymar, who is Brazil’s Captain, has shown signs that he is capable of filling the large void while Messi is out. Recently he managed to score four goals in the 5 – 2 win at home to Rayo Vallecano.
But one question does Neymar has the ability and skill to fill in during the absence of Messi?. During the World Cup in Brazil, he single-handedly took the team to the quarter-finals. After fracturing a bone in his back, he missed the semi-final where Brazil were comprehensively beaten 7 – 1 by Germany. Many Brazilians put free bets in that game as they were expected to win. It is one of the greatest upsets of all time, and things would have been different if Neymar was playing.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique though has completely dismissed the idea of Neymar leading the attack that Messi is out injured. The fans are also divided on whether the Brazilian is about to step up to the plate during the absence of the Argentinian superstar.
Barcelona Defensive Problems
This season, Barca have only kept two clean sheets in all the competitions they are involved in. They have been heavily reliant on outscoring their opponents to win games. So far, it has worked out well for them with them sitting top of their group in the Champions League and joint top of La Liga with Real Madrid.
Transfer Ban
It has been a tough season so far for manager Luis Enrique. Barca is banned from being able to make any transfers in 2015, so he has been without any reinforcements. They also sold fans favourite Pedro to Chelsea during the summer. They did, however, buy Arda Turan from rivals Atletico Madrid but are unable to play him until the new year.
Improvements Needed
It is vital that the defense becomes better during Messi’s absence. Dani Alves and Gerard Pique are under pressure to make sure that this happens. Far too often it is Lionel Messi that has gotten them out of trouble by managing to score more than the opposition. Keeping clean sheets is the something in which they need to make if they want to compete to win all competitions they are involved in.
Much more is needed from central midfield player Ivan Rakitic. He needs to up his work rate to make up for the absent Messi. Neymar is going to have to bear the brunt of all the creative responsibilities. It is a big job for the 23-year-old, but one that he is relishing. Only time will tell if he can keep it up until December when Messi returns. If they are still in the running come December, it will be worth finding free bet offers on them doing the treble once the magical Lionel Messi returns.
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