Neymar could be the missing link for FC Barcelona

It’s been bounded around all too often this year that Barcelona, despite possessing world class talent and an unrivaled ability to retain possession still lack that certain cutting edge in front of goal to help them see off opponents. It may be a cliched sentiment but Barca were held to draws seven times over the course of last season in their unsuccessful La Liga title defence so in essence the stats speak for themselves.

The return of David Villa will no doubt be a huge boost the Catalonians and new boss Tito Vilanova. Most Barca fans and seasoned pundits however will agree that an out and out striker with skill, finesse and most importantly the capability to adapt to Barca’s style of play is what is so desperately needed to help their side regain their ‘cutting edge’. If this is the case, then you can’t get much better than Neymar at the moment judging by current form.

Neymar’s performance against a fresh-faced team GB last week and Belarus last Sunday summed up the gulf in class between the Brazilian striker and his less technically gifted international opponents. Okay, Belarus and Olympic hosts Great Britain are by no means world-beaters but as the old saying goes you can only beat what’s put in front of you. It’s clear to most that there’s a lot of potential in this year’s Olympian Brazil team; we know it, Brazil know it and indeed Chelsea know it hence their recent acquisition of another young samba star in the form of 20 year old attacking midfielder Oscar dos Santos.

The speculation over Neymar’s future will no doubt loom large for the remainder of this summer but one things for certain, if Barca do get their man, they’ll once again be a force to be reckoned with this season.