Neymar may not achieve the same kind of success with PSG. From where I sit, though, the move is well worth the risk.
It always hurts to be in the shadow of a teammate. We saw it in Cleveland with Kyrie Irving requesting to leave the title-contending Cavaliers — allegedly to escape the shadow of LeBron James. And it has happened again in Spain. Neymar Jr. has left dominant Barcelona to escape the shadow of Lionel Messi.
While some have criticized Neymar’s decision because he left a winner to join developing PSG, I believe he made the right move.
Had Neymar stayed with F.C. Barcelona he would have been playing in Messi’s shadow–waiting to assume the role of ‘top man.’
Messi is only 30 years old–only 5 years older than Neymar. And based on the style of Messi’s game (and brilliance in the midfield), he doesn’t have to rely on youthful, athletic attributes to achieve longevity of play. Messi will likely continue at a high level until at least his mid-30’s. By that time Neymar would be nearing the end of his prime.
Some say it’s selfish to want the glory of being the superstar. The incentive of winning titles should be enough. But consider this: sidekicks in sports are never remembered like superstars. Just ask Scottie Pippen or Chris Bosh. They’re remembered primarily as ‘the needed help.’
Courtesy: Daily Express
Of course, one might argue that Pippen and Bosh would never have won titles had they been go-to men. That’s probably true. Neymar’s case is different, though. Neymar was not born to be a sidekick; he has the kind of talent to lead a team.
Neymar probably would have won more Champions League and La Liga titles had he remained with Barcelona. He would be playing second to Messi’s first all the while.
In the end, Neymar may not achieve the same kind of success with PSG. But, from where I sit, the move is well worth the risk.
