After being sidelined for a year, Neymar is still without a replacement as Brazil’s hero

Relying on the big name of this generation has been a consensus in discussions about selection for a long time. But his decline in performance, coupled with his timid performances in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals, has sparked controversy. After all, did the team need Neymar that much? The numbers indicate yes.

In the 14 matches played after the injury, Brazil achieved a success rate of 54%, with only six wins. In addition to below-average results, it was the low number of goals – just 21 – that set the tone for a period of attacking difficulties. In the four opportunities he had on the field in the post-Qatar Cup period, Neymar scored two goals, in addition to providing three assists.

It would be unfair to analyze the performance in his absence, without taking into account the confusing moment that Brazil is experiencing, with three coaches in less than two years. During his active participation, the team beat Bolivia and Peru, drew with Venezuela, and was losing 1-0 to Uruguay when he suffered the injury. In addition to the results, the player’s absence can be reflected on the individual aspect.

The number of players who made their mark, in the period in which Neymar was absent, suggests that there was no major hero in attack: there were ten, with the artillery split between Indrik (Real Madrid), Rodrigo (Real Madrid) and Rafinha (Barcelona). ) All three goals. Vinny Junior, who could take on this role, is yet to reach his best form in the national team.

For Sport TV commentator Marcelo Raed, Neymar’s return represents a great technical gain, as he is “a leader and reference for Brazilian players due to the talent he has with the ball at his feet.” He reveals that Dorival has already used 3 different models during the nine months he spent coaching the Seleção, but in recent FIFA data, his team has built attacking midfielders between the opposition’s defensive lines, something that should develop with the presence of the playmaker.

– If this playing model is maintained, it will be something very close to what Tite did at the start of the 2022 World Cup preparatory cycle, so the simple fact of having Neymar on the field will already bring benefits. For example, the opponent’s concern about not being allowed to receive the ball in a dangerous area can make life easier for the midfielder who has the ball, who will not be under as much pressure from marking – explained Raed.

Highlight individuality with hopscotch

Even without winning the long-awaited World Cup, the star made his name in the team’s history. Shortly before the recent injury, he became the best scorer in the history of hopscotch, according to FIFA, with 79 goals. According to the Brazilian Confederation, there are still 17 players remaining to surpass Pele.

In total, Brazil scored 281 goals in the 128 matches in which Neymar was on the field. The player was responsible for 28% of the balls in the net. The goals he scored contributed greatly to the team’s success rate reaching 78% with his presence. In the overall profile before the most recent injury, since his first call-up, in 2010, the same percentage had dropped to 64%.

Away from the field for a year, Neymar is racing against time to return to the national team in 2024. Despite expectations, his return is still being treated with extreme caution.

The Brazilian national team is still planning for the striker to return on the last FIFA date of the year, between November 14 and 19. However, his call-up will not happen unless he plays for Al-Hilal first. Due to injury, Neymar was not registered for the Saudi Championship, and the AFC Champions League became the only competition for the club competing in this final stage of the year. The next match in the tournament will be held on Monday, against Al Ain, in what may be the player’s only opportunity to get on the field, before the call-up.