Barca's Neymar admits sensational strike was premeditated

Andy West 05:57 09/11/2015
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  • Sheer delight: Neymar.

    Even by his own already high standards, Neymar conjured a sensational goal during Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Villarreal to further cement his reputation as one of the very best players in the world.

    The 23-year-old had already eased his team’s nerves by opening the scoring before Luis Suarez doubled the lead from the penalty spot.

    And Suarez was the provider when Neymar produced his highlight reel moment, racing down the left wing and clipping across a well-directed centre towards his Brazilian teammate on the edge of the penalty area. What happened next was truly spectacular.

    With his back to goal, Neymar controlled the bouncing ball with his midriff and, in the flash of an eye, flicked it over his head, spun 180 degrees and met the dropping ball with a fierce rightfooted volley past visiting keeper Alphonse Areola.

    Ironically, just before the goal the Barca fans had launched into a brief chant of “Messi, Messi” to let their injured star know they haven’t forgotten him.

    But within a few seconds they changed their tune to salute the new king of the Nou Camp as Neymar produced probably the singlemost thrilling moment of his time with the club to date.

    Neymar’s brace takes him to 11 league goals for the season, and he has now scored 10 goals in his last seven outings. After the game, the flamboyant forward claimed the idea to execute the piece of skill for his incredible goal was pre-meditated rather than instinctive.

    “I thought of the play before the ball came to me,” he said. “I am very happy to score the goals for the team so we could win the game. I am very happy with what I am giving. But I believe I can keep improving.”

    Barca coach Luis Enrique, however, was keen to keep Neymar’s feet on the ground despite the Brazilian’s latest matchwinning exploits.

    Asked whether he believes Neymar is the second best player in the world after his club team-mate Messi, the Barca boss shrugged: “You’ll have to decide that. I’m just happy to players like have him, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. The collective unit is the most important thing.”

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