Michael O’Neill Say Neymar Should Focus On Growth And Responsibility As A Captain

Gilberto Silva is the player for Brazil and the former World Cup winner. Recently, he has called for more personal growth and maturity on the part of Neymar. He said this after he was handed the armband of captain by coach Tite before friendly international match against USA. The national team of Brazilian had the policy that keeps rotating the captains, and after the exit from the quarter-final of the World Cup in Russia, the captainship duty was handed over to the Neymar the superstar forward by Tite in USA.

Silva the ex-Arsenal skipper said “I think they want to protect Neymar. And they want to protect him more because of the criticism he has received during the World Cup time.” He added that “Additionally, he has a bigger responsibility towards the team that he represents as well as in the world of football. “For him, the captaincy is to understand the responsibility as something like personal growth and positivity.”

After being handed over such big responsibility in his first game Neymar was able to score from the penalty spot as Brazil outshone an inexperienced and a young USA which also featured his PSG teammate Tim Weah. At the World Cup, he was heavily criticized by senior players and coaches after exaggerating fouls. However, Silva still believes that the captaincy responsibility will help this 26-year-old player to become more mature.

He said “It is important for him to keep his focus on this game and to take criticism so seriously. Still, he has lots to do in terms of growing. He has all the caliber to uplift his game.” The next assignment of Neymar as captain of the national team is to lead Brazil opposite minnows El Salvador on Tuesday in Maryland.