Football

World Cup 2022: Not even the best at PSG, Neymar wont’ make England squad

Richarlison’s brace against Serbia saw Brazil register an impressive win. While the Tottenham star impressed, Neymar was toothless in his outing and has come under criticism.

Neymar

Hailed as the combined second coming of Ronaldinho and Pele, Neymar has been the centre of attention wherever he goes. From Santos to Barcelona and now at Paris Saint Germain, he is always under the spotlight. 

Neymar However, if English pundit, Jason Cundy, is to be believed, the 30-year-old is worthy of the praise as he continues to struggle in important matches. The retired defender questioned the quality Neymar adds to Tite’s team as his bag of tricks does not help Brazil’s cause.

“I’ve never said he’s a bad player. I’ve never said that. “What I’m saying is that I think he’s overrated in what he brings to the team. Technically, he’s obviously a wonderful footballer but there’s an element to his game where people get seduced when they see the tricks and the flicks.

“Name a game where it’s been ‘the Neymar game’. I’m serious – for club or country. I’m talking about big games, not about Real Betis, I’m not talking about that!

“I’m talking about big games on the big stage. I always come away asking questions about Neymar. I never come away and think, ‘yeah’.

Neymar will not make Southgate’s squad

Cundy discussed the singular approach of Neymar’s game and reflected that he is not a team player. For England, Mason Mount plays in a similar position and the former Spurs defender shared he will take the Chelsea starlet over the Brazillian. 

Neymar’s penchant for causing controversy and his preference for flair over substance are attributes for his criticism. Cundy believes his antics would not be tolerated in the Three Lions dressing room and he would cause unnecessary disruption.

“I’ll tell you why Neymar doesn’t get near any team that I want to support, it’s because it’s him.

“He’s not a team player. He’s not. I’d take Mount 100 per cent.

“Neymar won’t do what Mount will. Mount will do the dirty work, but Neymar won’t. If you’re not a team player then you can’t get in the team.

“Neymar is not a team player. Can you imagine if Neymar was English in that Southgate squad? Can you imagine the disruption, what it would do and the effect he would have?

“He’s not a part of the gang. He left Barca because he couldn’t compete with Messi and then he turns up at PSG and Mbappe turns up and he’s not even the best player at PSG!”

Saka will make the Brazil squad

Brazil are known for their conveyor belt of producing stars. Youngsters Vinicius and Rodrygo are impressing at Real Madrid, while Antony and Gabriel Martinelli are showcasing their talent in the Premier League. 

Debating about if an English player can join their ranks, Cundy has an answer. He pointed at his former North London rivals’ academy graduate, Bukayo Saka, and believes he can take the wide role in the quality-laden Brazilian ensemble.

“Vinicius Jr and Saka, there’s the debate. There’s no better wide player than Saka right now,” Cundy shared. “I don’t pretend to have seen every game that Vinicius Jr has played, but I know how good he is. From what I’ve seen, Saka could end up in the team of the tournament. He is top draw.”


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