They’re only mad because they can’t do it’ – Djalminha defends Neymar’s showboating
The former Brazil international and Liga winner has leapt to the defence of the Barcelona star insisting criticism of his flamboyance is rooted in jealousy
Former Brazil international Djalminha has leapt to the defence of Neymar following accusations the Barcelona forward provokes the opposition by showboating.
Djalminha carved out his own reputation for the extravagant as the wildly talented playmaker dazzled crowds across Spain in leading Deportivo to the Liga crown in 2000.
Neymar faced accusations he was provoking the opposition following a ‘bicicleta’ flick – a move christened by Djalminha himself after he once famously used it in a match against Real Madrid – against Leganes last month but Djalminha has dismissed criticism of the Barca man as little more than jealousy.
“If everybody could do what he does they all would do it. The problem is they can’t, so they get annoyed by with those who can,” Djalminha told Goal Brasil.
“I don’t think people don’t criticise him because of his exaggerated dribbling, but because they seem to think he is making fun of his opponents or provoking them. But in my opinion it’s exceptional, and those who criticise him only do so because they can’t do what Neymar can.”
Djalminha, who appeared 14 times for the Selecao, went on to say that his Liga success was down to the Super Depor collective and that if Neymar had the same talent around him in A Coruna then he too could lead the club to Spanish league glory.
“If Neymar had a great team behind him, with good team mates, then he could win the league with Depor. But if he was playing in the current La Coruna squad I’m absolutely sure he could not,” chuckled Djalminha.
“It depends a lot on the team-mates you have, because nobody wins nothing alone. Nowadays he is winning more because things are easier for him with the team-mates he has at Barcelona.”
Barca host Depor on Saturday as la Liga resumes at Camp Nou following the international break.
