Clasico offers time to justify the hype

LA LIGA:

The Brazilian had a reputation as someone who could dazzle in YouTube videos, but had struggled at international level when faced with ‘real’ defenders.

When the 21-year-old arrived in Catalonia with his trademark ‘cresta’ haircut, and a large entourage of family members and agents, there were more fears that he was the latest much hyped South American whose media inflated ego was bigger than his talent.

But from his first day at the Camp Nou, Neymar has been surprisingly humble and obliging, talking about how thrilled he is to be playing with Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and company, and steering away from off-field controversies.

His new teammate Sergio Busquets told Spanish radio recently the blaugrana dressing room was surprised at how ‘normal’ the much-hyped star had turned out to be.

“We have been surprised by how quickly he has adapted because it was not easy,” Busquets said. “He could have had problems for his age, another country, another playing philosophy…

“He is very normal, very shy and does not say much. But he is very clear — he wants to learn from everyone, his role is different here from at Santos and he knows that.”

This modesty has been reflected on the pitch — where Neymar has often seemed keener to pass to Messi or Iniesta than go for goal himself. He currently has more assists (five) than goals (three) for his new club.

The overall sense though has been of a mature young man hungry for new experiences and success. And he told Barca’s TV channel this week how much he was looking forward to today’s ‘Clasico’ against Real Madrid.

“The clasico is the most important game for any player,” Neymar said. “It’s the match every player wants to play in. This will be my first. I hope to have a great debut, preferably with a victory.”

Neymar’s comfortable beginning in Catalonia surely benefited from his transfer from Santos being finalised in late May, giving him a full pre-season with his new side. While he was playing pre- season friendlies with Barca, Gareth Bale’s €101m move to Madrid dragged on all summer long. Meanwhile Bale was training alone in London or waiting by the pool at his agent’s Costa del Sol villa.

Nobody now disputes that this disrupted pre-season has impacted negatively on Bale’s start at the Bernabeu.

While he scored on his full debut in early September at Villarreal, the former Tottenham man has since only made four substitute appearances for Los Blancos, and not exactly dazzled in any of them.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti and president Florentino Perez have repeatedly said Bale’s main issue is not an injury, but his own lack of confidence in his physical condition.

The uncertainty suggests the pressure of the ‘world’s most expensive’ player tag is weighing on his shoulders. Even his predecessor in that position — Cristiano Ronaldo — has tried to ease the burden.

“If you talk with (Bale) you can see he is very excited about being here,” Ronaldo said this week. “People put pressure on him, for how much he costs, which I do not think is good for him. If you want to help him, leave him alone, put pressure on other players. I am sure he’ll do very well for the team.”

While Ronaldo — and Messi — were scoring for their teams this week in the Champions League, neither new man shone. Neymar was quiet in Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Milan, but Bale was even more anonymous during Madrid’s 2-1 win over Juventus on Wednesday. Coming on as a sub with 27 minutes remaining and Madrid well on top against 10 men, he attempted just four passes, and all four went astray.

The Wales captain was then surprisingly diffident when asked on Thursday by Sky if he felt fit enough to start on Saturday at the Camp Nou.

“I am not too sure, I have had a few minutes this week and I have had a good week’s training as well,” Bale said. “So I think I am fit enough. It is up to the manager now whether I play from the start or am on the bench.”

The contrast is clear — Neymar cannot wait for his first ‘El clasico’ to begin, while Bale gives the impression he wishes it had not arrived quite so quickly.

It is still too early to predict which of the two big summer signings will eventually make the biggest impact in Spain. But so far Neymar — at about half the price — looks by far the better buy.

Bale shows skill with a rugby ball

- Gareth Bale’s football skills are world class but his ability with a rugby ball isn’t too bad either.

The Welsh man joined Real Madrid team-mates Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Jesé Rodríguez in a ‘Skills Series’ challenge organised by sponsors bwin.

After displaying phenomenal ball control with a football, squash ball and even a giant exercise ball, the Real Madrid quartet took on the oval ball. And Bale’s Welsh heritage was to the fore as he produced a stunning kick that would leave Dan Carter swooning.