I think the term they use sometimes is, ‘flawed genius’.
Neymar is a top player, there’s no denying that. What he can do with a ball is verging on miraculous and what he can do with the pressure of the world on his shoulders is to be admired.
But he’s also going to come away from this World Cup with some more detractors as diving and simulation in just about every game he’s featured in have left a sour taste in the mouths of football-lovers all over the planet.
After Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 to advance to the last eight in Russia, Hope Solo – whose debut on RTE provoked a strong reaction – joined Keith Andrews in calling out the Brazilian for, let’s say, the ugly side of his game.
People were surprised to see her on RTE's coverage #WorldCup https://t.co/y08Bs12naT
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 2, 2018
The American pundit spoke brilliantly about how every player should be treated differently and that different talents are cause for different measures but she drew the line at his nonsense.
“I think the best managers handle each individual player differently,” she said.
“They should not be treated the same, I don’t believe in that – I think we all need to be treated differently.
“However, we all know that Neymar can perform under pressure, there’s no doubt about that. But it’s still unacceptable, the antics he’s doing. For me, it takes away from the game.”
Keith Andrews doubled down on it and labelled the antics of Neymar as crap and that the only thing that should be indulged by coaches is elements actually relating to football.
“I would try and curb this type of crap that he’s coming up with time and time again. What I would indulge from him is constantly tracking back, going after the full back, because I want his energy at the top of the field.
“However, this type of stuff, you have to iron out.”
"You have to iron that out, it is not unacceptable, it is a portrayal of your team in a negative fashion…" – Keith Andrews might tolerate Neymar not tracking back but he believes he is letting his side down with his theatrics.#RTEsoccerhttps://t.co/6Qu9d33n2u pic.twitter.com/vQHe7rk7XB
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 2, 2018
