Neymar Jr - The real deal?

With his David Beckham like star quality, Brazil's latest superstar off the samba production line has certainly grabbed the Confederations Cup by the scruff of the neck.
It's an important time for Neymar, who seems to have the nations hopes of World Cup glory on his shoulders. At just 21 years old, that seems a tall order.
Brazil, hosting the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1950, are using the Confederations Cup for what it is. It's a dry run for the big one next summer. It seems everything is going brilliantly for them at the moment. Many media sources have spoken particularly about the Brazillian crime rates, which, in the right places, are to be feared. Reports just like those from South Africa in the run up to 2010, have told us of the darker side to Brazil. The slums, the drugs, the stealing, the kidnapping. It's all come out. Even the stadium shambles that came to surface on the eve of the England friendly have dissipated. Credit where credit is due, I have not heard one negative streak of news from the tournament so far.
As for the football, the tournament has been brilliant. Full of talking points, good football, and most importantly for the natives, a good start from Brazil. Lead by the man in question, Neymar da Silva Santos Junior - "Neymar."
He opened the tournament with a fire cracker, smashing in a sumptuous half volley against Japan in the opening game. He then followed that up, with a controlled volley, and outrageous assist against the Mexicans.

Neymar is so far taking everything in his stride

He had his doubters pre tournament, myself included. Having watched him closely, particularly at Wembley when Brazil visited in a defeat to the hosts. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. The next Pele, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho. Whatever he was labelled, to me he looked like he wasn't worthy of tying those legendary player's boots. Slow in making decisions, slow to move the ball, and an ultimate lack of effort. I wasn't alone in thinking that Santos' king was a phony.

Europe was always going to be the acid test for Neymar. Having been linked with Manchester United, Real Madrid and especially FC Barcelona - to name but a few. I was starting to believe that nothing was ever going to materialise. However, Neymar transferred to FC Barcelona for a reported £48.6m fee.

Barcelona's new number 11 "NEYMAR JR"

So what are Barca getting for their money? First of all, they are getting a world superstar. A player, who's fame and iconic personality, will pour money back in to that hefty transfer fee. On a football note, Barcelona have needed a wide forward to play in the 4-3-3 normally adopted, for a few years. Over the past few seasons it's been Pedro an Tello as the natural wingers. The latter being at the beginning of his career. Then Fabregas, Villa, Iniesta, Eto'o, Henry etc. have all been asked to play there, thanks to the emergence of Messi. Neymar is a natural for that position. At 21, they are also getting potential. He scored 54 goals in 103 games for Santos, so that's a pretty good sign. He also now has 22 goals in 36 games for Brazil. 21 years of age, cruising to his 50th cap. That is real potential right there. With Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and co.on his side next year, he could create a big impact. For now, lets enjoy this mercurial talent whilst he spearheads Brazil on the BBC, in preparation for his biggest year yet.