On Wednesday night, Neymar scored the only goal of the game as Santos beat then league leaders Flamengo. Having received the ball inside the box, he turned sharply, before composing himself and firing the ball into the back of the net.
This was just Santos’ fourth win in 13 Brasileiro games this season, lifting themselves out of the relegation zone, and subsequently two points off a Copa Sudamericana spot in their first season back in the top flight.
Aside from his goal, Neymar completed 2/3 dribbles, created three chances, completed 2/2 long balls, and drew five fouls in his first competitive 90 minutes since February.
The key now is to be careful with his minutes. Having been sent off for deliberately handling the ball into the goal against Botafogo, Neymar was suspended for Santos’ only game in the subsequent six weeks after, so he has had plenty of time to condition himself as well as possible.
However as we know, the schedule of Brazilian football is incredibly intense, and Santos will take to the field again as soon as tomorrow night, when they face Mirassol on the road.
If Neymar is able to come out of that game unscathed and with at least an hour under his belt, there would be positive signs regarding his durability. There is still no doubt about the Brazilian’s quality when available, but that is ultimately the operative word.
The whole of Brazil will be hoping he is able to stay fit for a prolonged period of time, with the national team desperately in need of his quality. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are seriously struggling to find the net, so the countries all time top scorer – with 79 goals in 128 games would be an almighty boost.
As well as his outstanding goal record in national team colours, Neymar has also provided 58 assists for Brazil – which depending on the source you use, is the joint most in international football history. Either way, it is a very high figure.
That sort of goal and creative threat would be beneficial to any team in the world, but particularly one devoid of goals and creativity like Carlo Ancelotti’s side. He will be hoping that the 33 year old is able to keep himself fit.
Having initially signed a six month deal to return to Santos, Neymar recently signed an extension until December – the end of the Brazilian football calendar. Let’s hope in that time he will be able to score plenty of goals, provide a number of assists, and play plenty of football games.
