Neymar grew up idolising Robinho. He was not going to make the same mistake.His career was designed to be taken step-by-step.There was no rush to move to Europe, and when he made the move four years ago, Barcelona was an obvious destination.
He could develop in the shadow of Lionel Messi, and ease himself in gradually to the challenge.But in the long term, the shadow of Messi would not always be so refreshing.
Neymar would want to strike out and find his own place in the sun – the only way that he could get his hands on that world player of the year award.