‘Neymar is 26 going on 13’ – South American football expert slams Brazil star’s behaviour at World Cup
The world's most expensive player has disappointed so far in Russia with poor performances and child-like conduct on the pitch
Brazil star Neymar has been branded ‘26 going on 13’ and ‘spoiled’ for his immature behaviour at the World Cup.
The world’s most expensive player has disappointed so far in Russia with two below-par performances and his child-like conduct on the pitch.
Neymar scored a late goal to wrap up a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in his last outing, but he has faced criticism for his constant theatrics and for his manner towards referees.
The hopes of a nation will be on his shoulders once again on Wednesday night as Brazil face Serbia in their final Group E game, where both sides could finish top, second or be eliminated from the tournament.
Having come to Russia on the back of a run of incredible form, many are simply waiting for Brazil – one of the top favourites for the title – and talisman Neymar to turn on the style and light up this World Cup.
But South American football expert Tim Vickery has told talkSPORT the forward’s behaviour could see the team self-destruct instead.
“Neymar is such a strange player – he is 26 going on 13”, Vickery said on Wednesday’s Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.
“He could explode at this World Cup, but he can also implode - you don’t know what he’s going to do, he’s such a mixed bag.
“The talent the lad has is unbelievable – he sees things at a different speed to other players.
“It’s like he sees things slowed right down, he does it so quickly, and it means he has so many options but it doesn’t always mean he chooses the right option, especially under pressure.
“He has always been spoiled, and he exists almost outside of the codes of the way football is played.
“He wants to redefine football as a non-contact sport.
“For him, any contract he gets on him is a foul and this can be so counter-productive for the team.
“The ridiculous penalty he tried to get against Costa Rica – he had a shooting opportunity! Why not take it, instead of the ridiculous theatrics?”
Serbia v Brazil is LIVE on talkSPORT on Tuesday, June 27, kick-off 7pm.