Neymar still Brazil’s ‘main player’ despite criticism – Rodrygo،
Real Madrid striker Rodrygo has defended his international teammate Neymar by claiming the Al Hilal star is still Brazil’s “main player”.
Neymar was hit by a bag of popcorn thrown from the stands by fans after Thursday’s 1-1 home draw with Venezuela, an incident that Brazilian coach Fernando Diniz condemned.
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Brazilian fans were frustrated with the result and Neymar – the country’s talisman for so long – bore the brunt of this criticism.
“It doesn’t change anything if he [Neymar] whether he is 31 or not, he continues with the same quality as always,” Rodrygo said.
“He remains our main player. Of course, when we lose or draw, the responsibility will be greater on him, but when we win, it becomes clear that he is our best player and we depend on him a lot.
Against Venezuela, Neymar set up Gabriel Magalhães for Brazil’s goal, but made a record 18 misplaced passes and missed several chances.
Rodrygo, 22, had nothing but praise for Neymar, who overtook Pele last month to become Brazil’s all-time men’s top scorer with 79 goals in 125 international caps.
“He is very important on the pitch and off it too,” Rodrygo said of the former PSG and Barcelona striker.
“Even though they always say bad things about him, people who live near him know that he is totally different from the image some people have of him.
“And because I have him as an idol, I’m often sad to see certain comments, to hear the things people say because he helps me a lot.
“He always talks to me. Sometimes I’m at my club, he’s there [Saudi] Arabia and he sends me a message, he tells me something positive. While off the field [advice] influences us a lot and helps us a lot on the pitch.”
Neymar, meanwhile, understands the frustration of Brazilian fans but was left upset by Thursday’s popcorn incident.
“It’s sad, it’s obviously very sad,” Neymar said. I condemn this kind of attitude, there is no need to do it, it is very bad for football and for human beings. I do not come here on vacation, even less to go for a walk, I came to do what I love most, which is playing football and defending my country.
“Obviously we do our best, give our best, and often the result doesn’t come, and it’s not what the fans expect.”
Thursday’s result leaves Brazil second in their 10-team South American qualifying group, with seven points from three matches, two points behind World Cup holders Argentina.
Neymar and Brazil are back in action on Tuesday in another World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in Montevideo.
