Neymar scored Barcelona’s opener in the 4-1 La Liga success over Villarreal and we shine the spotlight on the Brazilian star.
Here is how he fared at the Nou Camp on Saturday evening as he helped Barca pile more pressure on Real Madrid at the top of the table.
CLINICAL IN FRONT OF GOAL
The Brazilian mustered three shots at goal, with two of them being on target – including, of course, his goal.
Although there was a hint of offside in Barca’s 21st minute opener, Neymar stayed alive in the penalty area to stab home Lionel Messi’s deflected shot (which turned out to be like a cross) and put the hosts very much in the ascendancy.
It was his predatory instinct, if nothing else, that allowed him to get to the ball first and set the tone for a comfortable win in Catalonia.
HE LOVES PLAYING AGAINST VILLARREAL
Neymar certainly enjoys facing the Yellow Submarines, indeed – that was his ninth goal in nine matches (in all competitions) against Villarreal.
It’s a team he’s hit the back of the net against more often than anyone else.
CENTURY PARTNERSHIP OF GOALS FOR MSN
Neymar may have contributed the least amount of goals (16) to MSN’s century goal haul this term (it’s now 101 to be precise) – the third consecutive season they have achieved such a feat – but that doesn’t suggest he is the least effective of the three world-class talents.
Indeed, the forward could well be the difference between Barca ending the season with a La Liga title or not. Simply put, Luis Enrique is glad to have him back firing again.
STRONG EFFECT FROM LEFT-HAND SIDE
The 25-year-old was a constant threat from the left and many pundits and fans alike named him man of the match.
When in full flow, like he was on Saturday, he’s a delight to watch and compliments the contrasting powers of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez with immense aplomb.
Neymar celebrates with two-goal star Messi.