Former Scotland international Craig Burley has voiced strong reservations about Neymar's physical readiness upon his return to the Brazilian national team.
Burley, now a prominent pundit, specifically noted that the star attacker appeared "sluggish" and "off the pace" during his cameo appearance in Brazil's comfortable 3-0 win over Scotland.
This observation led Burley to question the rationale behind Neymar's selection, suggesting it might have been a "sentimental pick." He implied that other deserving players might have been overlooked in favor of the returning superstar.
Neymar's reappearance marked his first match for Brazil in 981 days, following a significant knee injury he sustained back in October 2023. Despite managing to create three scoring opportunities during his time on the pitch, his overall movement failed to impress Burley.
The pundit expressed skepticism regarding Neymar's capacity to make a decisive impact against more formidable opponents as the tournament progresses.
The emotional weight of Neymar's comeback was palpable, with the player visibly moved to tears after the final whistle, signifying the culmination of his arduous rehabilitation journey.
Brazil has since secured their group's top position and is now gearing up for a knockout stage clash against Japan. However, lingering doubts persist about Neymar's optimal role and contribution to the team's tactical approach moving forward.
Burley's critique highlights a potential disconnect between sentimentality and tactical necessity, raising pertinent questions about player selection based on past glories versus current form and fitness.
