A new campaign is launched against Barcelona star Neymar
Michael Laudrup started it and it didn't take long for the Madrid media to hop on the bandwagon
Barcelona thrashed Leganes 5-1 at the weekend, following up on the 7-0 thrashing of Celtic. Is all well at Camp Nou? Not quite... people have to look for a new debate. Instead of Barça-Atletico, what they are focussing on is Neymar.
Michael Laudrup became an instrument in the case, talking about the 'provocations' of Neymar against Leganes, justifying a new campaign against the Brazilian. Is Neymar a provoker? For Laudrup, yes. The Dane lit up social media with his commentary on beIN Sports and the Madrid media artillery joined the party rapidly.
What's surprising is not that an ex-footballer is involved, but that a player like Laudrup who gave assists like 'Magic' Johnson and had his signature two-footed shimmy dribble, is the one to question a player of such talent.
Neymar's 'jogo bonito' is more than just flicks and tricks, as shown against Celtic when he scored one and got four assists. Kicks, takedowns, grabs, elbows.... Leganes defenders decided that was part of their job. Weapons necessary to stop Neymar beating them one on one, for his speed and technical quality on the ball, deciding in each moment what to do - keep the ball, pass it, break through a defensive line or jump into the air to dodge dangerous tackles.
The debate is opportune ahead of Barça-Atletico, which will be a new form of trench warfare. Cholo Simeone's team is intense - as seen by Filipe Luis trying to put Messi into orbit last season.
Neymar is a player who runs, works defensively, helps his team-mates, scores goals and breaks down defensively. If he does all that, as well as making rabona passes, controlling the ball with his heel, or dribbling around opponents with a sombrero, is he a virtuoso or a provoker? If an elbow, a punch in the groin or a grab of his shorts is a cunning move, then is playing with the ball such an unforgivable response?
The debate should end immediately. What should be punished? Violent actions that endanger the game and hurt opponents, or a different form of playing?
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