The Paris Saint-Germain forward’s struggles in Russia did not go unnoticed by one of the greatest players in World Cup history <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Legendary Brazil striker Ronaldo believes Neymar’s hotly debated performances at the World Cup fell short of the heights expected of him.<\/p>\n
The world’s most expensive player netted just two goals in Russia and often cut a frustrated figure\u00a0as the Selecao were bundled out in the quarter-finals by Belgium.<\/p>\n
His performances\u00a0were\u00a0at times\u00a0overshadowed\u00a0by\u00a0the criticism\u00a0he received\u00a0for theatrically reacting to tackles and physical attention.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ronaldo sympathised with the Paris Saint-German star, suggesting his influence was curbed by the fractured\u00a0metatarsal which ended his club season in February.<\/p>\n
“We all expected more from him because he’s the star of the team,” Ronaldo told SporTV, as quoted by Spanish publication Sport.<\/p>\n
“I don’t know if it was because of the operation he had on his foot or another problem but I saw him as quite limited on the pitch.<\/p>\n
“To arrive at a World Cup following an operation and three months out is complicated. To play the first match as if nothing had happened is difficult.”<\/p>\n
Though Neymar will be 30 by the time of Qatar 2022, Ronaldo believes his former international team-mate still has time to make a mark on football’s biggest stage.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
“He must learn from this World Cup because at 26 he is still a young boy,” said the 2002 champion.<\/p>\n
“Either way, he’s an extremely talented young man who carries a great deal of responsibility.”<\/p>\n