If Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar Jr. is going to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 30-year-old will need help up front, and it appears as though he might finally have that in FC Barcelona’s Raphinha.
Neymar has been the engine for the Brazil national team, but it seemed as though the Seleção leaned too much on the PSG star, but now Raphinha is helping take some of the offensive load.
Since making his debut for Brazil in 2021, ESPN revealed on Twitter through its stats and information account that the Barcelona forward is second behind Neymar regarding goal involvement.
Neymar has been involved in more goals (11) for the South American nation than Raphinha (9). In a recent interview with Marca, Brazilian legend Kaká advised PSG to lean on players like Raphinha at the World Cup to ensure that Brazil ends its 20-year drought.
“Neymar is going to be Brazil’s leader in Qatar, but it’s very important that he has players like Vinicius on his side. At the 2018 World Cup, Ney was the absolute protagonist, but now we have Vini, Raphinha, Richarlison, Antony, who are not young promises but confirmed players,” Kaká said.
“Vinicius, for example, is a star at Madrid and scored the goal in the last Champions League final. It takes a little pressure off Neymar’s shoulders, and it’s something very positive to achieve our goals.”
It will be interesting to see if the Barcelona star can replicate his performances when the bright lights of the World Cup come around because Neymar will need all the help he can get.
