Neymar getting into his role against Malaysia

Neymar looks like he has assumed his role naturally. The Barca rookie is ready to lead the Catalan club if circumstances demand it. Argentine Messi did not play due to muscle fatigue. The Brazilian took over to open up a bad game for his team against Malaysia by showcasing his individual skills. The 1-3 victory effectively brings FC Barcelona’s preseason to an end.

Gerardo Martino fielded a team without Messi and Pedro. There is still work to do with the team, and Barca seemed sleepy at times. The club’s international players were especially sleepy as these were the ones to incorporate last into the squad after their holidays. The game was intentionally more direct, but the Catalans seemed to be happier and more comfortable with the old formula of stroking the ball around the pitch. Nevertheless, Barca lacked a few ideas in front of goal, where most of the action should take place.

Barca drifted slowly into their old vice of possession football. Without Messi to break the tedium, Neymar stepped up to the mark. He focused his position a little outside the penalty area. He wanted the ball, helped out his teammates and scared the Thai team with a nice goal after 43 minutes. This is one of the main reasons Neymar was signed to FC Barcelona; to minimize the impact of possible absences from the little Argentine.

Cesc’s injury
Cesc teamed up with Neymar perfectly as he skillfully managed to find open spaces. The Catalan found the net on 33 minutes with his head via a cross from Jordi Alba. Cesc’s continuity has been questioned lately and he took his time in coming out to publicly quash any rumours of moving to Manchester United. Since then, Martino has been very generous with Cesc regarding playing time and the player seems to have answered his critics. However, a sprained right ankle puts Fabregas in doubt for the next international against Ecuador.