One of FC Barcelona’s greatest potentials lies in its absolutely lethal attacking trident. Between Raphinha, Lewandowski and Lamine they have scored 67 of the 114 goals that the team has scored so far this season. Something that brings to mind the legendary FC Barcelona forward line made up of Leo Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar, or what is the same, the MSN.
The current forward line, which could be called the LRL, is matching the numbers of the MSN in the season in which the Azulgranas achieved the treble. According to the statistics offered by BeSoccer Pro, in the first 36 games, Hansi Flick’s forward line scored 66 goals and made 29 assists, while the line made up of Messi, Suárez and Neymar scored 68 goals and made 34 assists, that is to say two goals and five assists more.
One of the stars of the MSN that won the treble was Neymar Jr. A Neymar who experienced the best period of his career with the Barça team. He also shone at PSG, especially in the 2019-20 season, when he led the team to the Champions League final. However, he never managed to establish himself as the absolute leader of a team, mainly due to his constant injuries.
A few days ago, SER Catalunya reported on the program Què T’Hi Jugues that Neymar Junior has a dream: to return to FC Barcelona. However, as of today, the Barça club is not considering his return. To make his wish come true, the Brazilian would like to take advantage of the opportunity he will have for the remainder of the season at Santos, the club where he began his career and where he arrived a few weeks ago.
An alleged strategy contradicted by the footballer’s father. In statements to the media, he made it clear that the player’s idea is not to be one of the players on the FC Barcelona squad when they return to play at the Camp Nou. “Our project is not just for five months, even though my son’s contract is only for five months,” said Neymar senior in an exclusive interview with the Brazilian channel TNT Sports.
“We didn’t come here to play for five months, we came to give Santos the opportunity to restructure itself during this time, to find allies who can help the club get back on its feet. And a lot of people have come forward,” said Neymar Senior. The father of the Brazilian star explained that he is in full agreement with the current Santos management. “Marcelo Teixeira is a fundamental part of all this, because he gave me the opportunity to help Santos. This is a difficult time for the club. Knowing the weight that bringing Neymar here represents, it is necessary for the club to reach an adequate level so that he can be happy here,” he said.
Neymar Jr. himself commented on his father’s words, also in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports. “Don’t worry, we have to stay calm,” he said with a laugh. “This is the beginning of a great era for Santos,” he said.
“Santos knows the love I feel for this club, the respect I have for it. While I’m on the pitch, which is where I like to be most, I’m going to give 100%. We’re going to enjoy this moment, every single game. This is the beginning of a great era for Santos, of that I am sure. Santos is going to get back on its feet and return to the top, which is where it deserves to be,” said Neymar, happy with his growth in recent matches with Santos.
As with everything in life, we will have to wait and see what the player decides about his future, but also what FC Barcelona thinks about welcoming him into its fold.