Why Neymar should not sit on the bench for Barcelona

Neymar: Looking at life from the bench

For the third match in a row Neymar da Silva was not included in Barcelona’s starting lineup. The Brazilian was expected to spearhead Barcelona’s attack since Lionel Messi was out due to an injury. But Tata Martino decided to keep Neymar on the sidelines and it was not a good idea.

Barcelona had a very poor first half and uncharacteristically, their short passes were not up to the mark. Cesc Fabregas looked like the only player with some energy left. Fabregas was all over the place- left, right, centre and even performing defensive duties. The opening goal came in the dying minutes of the first half, courtesy of a brilliant strike from right back Adriano, which caught the goalkeeper unaware.

The second half saw Malaga putting in a dominating performance with a slew of goal scoring chances. Fabrice Olinga should have scored for Malaga from a Santa Cruz cross, but he was unlucky as the ball hit the post. Neymar was introduced in the 63rd minute and he did make an impact.

Neymar, with his amazing speed and dribbling skills made life difficult for the Malaga defenders. He made a couple of solo surges that ended in the defenders fouling him. Neymar Junior almost scored from a well taken free-kick but he was denied a goal by an excellent save from Caballero.

The Brazilian was also involved in a bit of controversy towards the end of the match when he was head-butted by Jesus Gamez. Neymar is already the most fouled player in week two of the La Liga. It seemed like Barcelona would score every time the ball was with Neymar. But, unfortunately, for Neymar, his first Spanish League goal wasn’t to be.

He was, no doubt, the best player along with Fabregas. Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino should have included him in the starting lineup. His inclusion would have increased Barcelona’s chances of scoring. Nevertheless, he makes a great case for starting the next match against Atletico Madrid.