Neymar's recent match against Novorizontino was underwhelming, despite his active involvement in the game with 90 touches on the ball, making him one of the most engaged players. He had the highest number of duels won but also lost the most possessions, recording a staggering 33 turnovers. His GPS data from Santos indicated that he was among the top players in distance covered and high-intensity meters, but his overall output during this crucial quarter-final match in the Campeonato Paulista was disappointing, especially considering it was against a lower division opponent.

The analysis raises significant concerns about Neymar’s ability to make an impact in larger competitions, notably the upcoming World Cup quarter-finals. The underperformance against Novorizontino, a team from Série B of the Campeonato Brasileiro, begs the question of how he can be relied upon to deliver under pressure in high-stakes scenarios. The contrasting statistics make it clear that while Neymar remains a skilled player, concentrating on his shortcomings in pivotal moments might overshadow his contributions.

In light of these concerns, sports commentators argue that Coach Carlo Ancelotti should still consider calling up Neymar for the early matches against formidable teams like France and Croatia in March. This recommendation stems from the belief that potential should be tested despite subpar performances, as Neymar's experience and past successes could prove invaluable when the stakes are highest. The debate surrounding Neymar's role in the national team continues as fans and analysts alike hope to see him regain form ahead of the World Cup.