Neymar's start at Barcelona has not gone as most expected. The youngster scored a key away goal in the opening leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid, but most pundits have been puzzled by his playing time.
Neymar has yet to start a competitive match for Barcelona and has yet to see time in the first half of any of Barcelona's three matches this season.
However, Barca coach Gerardo Martino has assured fans that he is easing his young star into the process.
"I don't know how much time is left," Martino said, according to Sport Live. "What I do believe is that mentally he is ready and we will decide on the right moment."
"The good thing is that he plays half an hour and in that half an hour he always does something positive for the team," he added.
"We did not sign Neymar for one or two games but for a number of seasons," noted Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, according to the same source. "Just because Messi doesn't play doesn't mean he has to play...He is showing great ability to adapt to our team and our league and when he is 100 percent integrated we will see more of him."
The comments echo those of Dani Alves, Neymar's Brazil and Barcelona teammate.
"[Neymar] is very motivated to play," Alves said, according to ESPN. "He knows where he has come to, and the demands here. He knows the responsibility he has. He has adapted in the best way possible into the group. Physically he is working well and taking advantage of the moments he gets. The more time he gets on the pitch, the more he will bring to Barca. Nobody is assured of a place at this club. There are players who earn more, others less, but we all must feel like possible starters."
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
