Always thought he was exceptional (and have said so here) but smattered with the inconsistency you find with all players that age. Hence why we should persist with 'you-know-who'
Well it's a lot easier to say that in hindsight. As it stands, they've paid a huge amount of money for someone who has the potential to be one of the best forwards of his generation, but who may not necessarily make it to those heights. I think he'll be a useful player for them next season, but we're probably going to have to wait two or three seasons to see if he's really going to make that price tag look like a bargain. Personally I think they slightly overpaid, but had money to throw around so why not.
That's why I don't think Neymar is a bad signing, for the same reason as I don't think 'you-know-who' is a bust, because inconsistency has to be expected - however I wouldn't say Gaston had a great season, nor would I say Neymar is an exceptional player yet. However Gaston definitely has the potential for greatness as Neymar has the potential to be truly special!
Once again, it isn't just Spain playing badly. They aren't being allowed to play their usual game and so they are not settled, and therefore not playing well. If Brazil stopped pressing for one second Spain would be in like a shot.
Both. I was trying to work out if it's Brazil making it look like Spain are playing badly, but they've given possession away far too easily multiple times, so both.
I agree, it'll be a tough move for him and he will have to develop his game in Europe. But purely based on this tournament, wow, and I really do hope he doesn't falter, because he could end up being in the bracket Messi and Ronaldo are in. Awful penalty btw.
Fred's an interesting one. I've always thought he was good, I liked him a lot for Lyon, but he was up for grabs for pennies and nobody took him so he headed back home where he's been scoring for fun, yet nobody seems to be interested if he's available for so little. I just figure everyone else was seeing something I wasn't and I had overrated him - however, he's playing far above his usual standard this tournament, too.
He got 20 in 28 this season for Fluminense. 22 in 25 the season before. Good record for in internationals too as you said.
Notice how when Brazil back off a tad, Spain's passing suddenly gets a lot better..? Spain being poor has largely been because of Brazil not letting them settle.
