Is Neymar's showboating going too far? What the players and experts think... (2024)

Barcelona forward Neymar has drawn criticism this week for his showboating, but has the Brazilian really gone too far?

Neymar angered criticswith moves that"provokedthe opposition"during Barcelona's 5-1win at Leganes on Saturday, and thestrong tackles he received in the final few minutes after throwing one too many stepovers for the newly-promoted hosts' liking addedcredence to such claims.

Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran opened the debate as to the merits of Neymar's playing style once again ahead of their meeting in La Liga on Wednesday at the Nou Camp, whilenumerous other names have weighedin with varying opinions.

Here, we take a look at who has said what about the 24-year-old, and you can watch the video of Neymar's tricks above to judge for yourself, letting us know your verdict by commenting below...

And don't forget, Barcelona v Atletico Madrid will be live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 8.45pm on Wednesday

Juanfran: "Personally I wouldn't do some of the things which he does. I grew up in a different environment. I do things as I believe and he does them as he believes. But it's not better or worse than his, just different."

Atletico Madrid managerDiego Simeone:"Neymar is an extraordinary player.He won the Olympic Games after being criticised in Brazil after the two first games. He has found in Barcelona the right place to express his talent.

"Everyone has their own style and their own way of playing. He has been criticised, even in his personal life. He enjoys himself, sings, dances... and destroys teams. They can keep criticising him, the kid responds where he must respond."

Pundit and former Barcelona player Michael Laudrup after the Leganes game: "Why are you taking the ball across your own half? You're provoking the opposition.At 0-4 you can't be showboating and provoking your opponents."

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique: "He has his own style and I think it's spectacular for football. We enjoy his play a lot at Barca.

"We know what world we live in and what people focus on, but I like his concept of football, and no-one in La Liga can be surprised by it now."

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane: "That's what Neymar is like. There are those who like it, and others who don't.

"When you do too many tricks, it's to be expected that your opponent will get angry, but in terms of entertainment value, it's great that people get the chance to enjoy the performances of such a player."

Atletico Madrid midfielder Gabiwas dismissed in a January 2015 Copa del Rey clash against Barcelona, featured in the video above,after receiving a second booking, and was clearly riled by Neymar's antics in the first half. The club captainsaid:"Neymar does some things that there is no need for, especially when you're winning."

Three months' half-price Sky Sports

Watch the Premier League, Ryder Cup and the EFL Cup

Sky Sports' Spanish football expertGuillemBalague: "There is a non-written rule that you are not supposed to do what he does. But who wrote that rule? It goes back to how football was perceived in the Anglo-Saxon world - that itshows disrespect to your opponents.

"Neymar comes from a different culture. If you go to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, it happens all the time. It is how they show their love for the game and love for life.But there has to be a balance. There is a fine line between doing it for the love of it and taking the mickey.

"As long as he doesn't go overboard, he can do as much showboating as he wants, but as a coach, I want him to be effective with it.Even with referees, there is a feeling that there has to be a limit to what you can do."

What do you think of Neymar's behaviour on the pitch? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @SkyFootball

Watch high quality boxing, including Crolla v Linares, with your Sky Sports subscription as part of our three months' half-price offer.