Chelsea forward Eden Hazard has come forward to the support of Neymar as the latter was being targeted for being too soft on fouls during the World Cup.
Neymar has been a key player for Brazil and often the strategy regulates surrounding him on the pitch. The former Barcelona winger was one of the most fouled players in the recently concluded World Cup and had received severe criticism for his tendency of diving too softly.
Neymar got fit in time from an injury to lead his team in the World Cup but they failed to get past the quarterfinal hurdle following their defeat to Belgium. Hazard has asked for more favourable treatment for Neymar in future.
“Totally inappropriate
“Neymar suffered the same injury two months before the World Championships as I did in June 2017.
“A break between the ankle and the foot. He was out for a month and a half.
“I can assure you: the body is not immediately ready for top performance again.
Yet in Russia all responsibility came to his shoulders.
“He had to be the star of the tournament, he had to carry Brazil to the world title, he had to dribble, and all media peeked.
“Plus, I know Neymar: he also wants to give the audience something.
“You cannot criticise someone like that who did not even play a bad World Cup.”
