Brazil football and Barcelona ace Neymar is on fire, and Xavi, Ozil, Ibrahimovic fans are not so happy about it. The 24-year-old winger has successfully managed to equal the UEFA Champions League assists record by registering seven assists in five matches for the Catalan outfit so far in the ongoing campaign. Footballers have always valued creating a record in Europe, as it etches their names in the history books. Champions League, however, is no joke as it is Europe’s premier club competition. The tournament is always held in high regards simply because of the quality of clubs that feature, and also for the kind of exposure the players receive. It is even considered as a privilege to play in the Champions League, and nobody takes this sporting extravaganza for granted.
Neymar has now recorded 7 assists in just 5 Champions League games this season.
SEVEN! pic.twitter.com/oxYBXO50ET
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 23, 2016
7 – Neymar has equalled the record for the most assists in a single Champions League season (since 2003-04). Giving.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 23, 2016
Barca has already qualified for the knockout stage, meaning the Samba star is destined to add another record to his name if only he manages to continue with his form. The Brazilian might even make a mockery of the record by actually breaking the tally in Barcelona’s last group stage game against Borussia Moenchengladbach. Before Neymar, the only footballer to have provided seven assists in an entire season were Xavi Hernandez, Mesut Ozil, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Xavi achieved the record back in 2008-09 with Barcelona, followed by Ozil in 2010-2011 with Real Madrid, and then by Ibrahimovic in 2012-2013 with Paris Saint-Germain.
(Video: YouTube/iNJRHD)
Unlike Xavi, Ozil, or even Ibrahimovic for that matter, Neymar actually can win the prestigious Ballon d’Or in the foreseeable future. It is not because he is much more skilled or talented than the rest, but is due to the simple fact that he is somebody who can dethrone Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The position he operates in which is the left wing offers him the opportunity to venture into the box and give him a chance to either create for others for simply go for glory. This has also decisively helped Neymar to score goals and provide assists more frequently than not. Neymar is influential for both club and country, and on his day he can win matches on his own. 50 goals in 75 games for Selecao not only proves his credential but also his motives, his passion for the game.
(Video: YouTube/Football Forever)
Neymar had a childhood dream to become the best footballer to have ever graced the sport, while it might still take some time for him to realise that specific dream, still he is not very far away from fulfilling his vast potential. After all the Brazilian talisman is one of the very few players to have impressed Pele and Diego Maradona both.
