Football
Francesc Tomas 10y

Neymar shining thanks to Messi connection

Lionel Messi and Neymar are sharing the headlines after starring in the 6-0 win over Granada at the Camp Nou on Saturday, and rightly so. Despite the disproportionate criticism from a significant sector of the local media in the build-up to the game, Luis Enrique's team jumped on the pitch determined to show that their prior away draw at Malaga was only a temporary slip-up while adjusting to new mechanisms.

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Messi was sensational once again, adding two goals and two assists to his impressive tally. Fortunately for Cules, the Argentinean wizard has been eager to return to his former best since the season started. The fact that he has been equally lethal in front of goal despite being positioned further away from the rival's back line, while adding an extra level of generosity to his game, is mind-blowing.

Messi's added desire to get others more involved in the attacking third is certainly part of his personal evolution towards becoming even more central to Barca's future. The emergence of Ivan Rakitic in the starting XI, combined with Xavi's progressive decline in playing time as he gets older, has forced Enrique to change Messi's role slightly.

Messi's stellar performance on Saturday reinforces the manager's decision to give his star player the freedom to roam around Barcelona's attacking third. Having scored five goals in six matches, the 27-year-old is now only four goals away from surpassing Telmo Zarra at the top of La Liga's historical goal-scoring table. The current record of 251 goals has been standing since 1955 but, at this rate, it will certainly be smashed in the very near future.

If we had to highlight a player who has particularly benefitted from Messi's more generous approach, that would certainly be Neymar. After a difficult first year at the Camp Nou caused by a frustratingly slow adaptation period and too many off-the-pitch worries, the Brazilian youngster is beginning to show why the club invested so heavily to bring him to Catalunya last summer.

Neymar is currently Barca's top goal scorer of the season, especially after his impressive recent streak of six goals in his last four matches. Even more importantly, the cheeky Brazilian now seems fully settled within the squad, more relaxed on the pitch and much more aware of what runs he needs to make. His improved understanding of taking on defenders -- rather than passing the ball back to midfielders nearby -- is boosting the team's attack significantly.

Messi and Neymar are strengthening their connection on a daily basis in training, a factor that is more visible on the pitch as the season develops. Having such an unpredictable partnership up front will make a significant difference when facing major teams who opt to park the bus in front their own goalkeeper, both at European and domestic level.

The hope is that Barca can continue to build on their impressive start of the season. The Catalans' upcoming clash against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday will certainly be a challenge, but the opportunity to show their worth against one of the richest clubs in world football must be grabbed with both hands.

The quote: "We cannot forget about our training because we have to believe in the work we do every day. One result doesn't change anything. Some days nothing works at all. We are here to compete and to fight. We can't worry about what others do, we can only worry about ourselves. We are going to Paris to do our job. And they are a great team." -- Javier Mascherano.

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