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Neymar has not been able to regain his peak form. |
Alongside Philippe Coutinho’s strong revival in Vasco da Gama’s colours, the fear of injury is dragging Neymar Jr. further and further away from his peak. The two stars of the 1992 generation, once close friends in the Brazilian youth teams, are now on two parallel but completely opposite paths.
A year after returning to Vasco da Gama, Coutinho is experiencing a rare period of sublimation since leaving Europe. Once the most expensive contract in Barcelona's history, the midfielder born in 1992 is now finding the stability and sophistication that made his brand.
Coutinho’s revival was not only due to his own desire but also thanks to coach Fernando Diniz, who used to lead the Brazilian national team and is famous for reviving the energy of players who have declined. Under his guidance, Coutinho played with great commitment, his physical condition improved significantly and he became the mainstay of Vasco’s playing style.
It’s no surprise that the Rio de Janeiro press have started calling on coach Carlo Ancelotti to give Coutinho a chance to return to the Seleção, especially with the 2026 World Cup less than a year away. His performance in the 6-0 win over Santos in August showed that Coutinho is still good enough to make a difference.
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Coutinho exploded in Brazil. |
In stark contrast, Neymar Jr. has been in a dark period. After reuniting with Santos in February, the 33-year-old striker has been struggling with injuries. He recently suffered a right thigh injury during a training session, and is expected to be out for at least six weeks. This is the third time Neymar has had serious physical problems since the beginning of the year, preventing him from returning to the Brazilian national team since suffering a knee injury in October 2023.
A string of injuries has caused Neymar to gradually lose his rhythm, widening the gap between him and the national team. In fact, Santos is currently in a relegation battle, and Neymar's late return at the end of the season may only be to save honor rather than make a big impact.
Coutinho and Neymar were once considered the best pair of Brazilian football, both carrying the hope of recreating the glory of Selecão. However, at the age of 33, while Coutinho has strongly revived and become a symbol of faith at Vasco, Neymar continues to struggle with injuries and doubts.
This contrast not only reflects the harshness of top-level football but also shows that opportunities are always open to those who have the courage to stand up after failure. Coutinho did it, and Neymar is still looking for his own way out.
Source: https://znews.vn/hai-nga-re-trai-nguoc-o-tuoi-33-cua-coutinho-va-neymar-post1589917.html
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