Ex-Scotland star says Neymar looked 'sluggish' on Brazil return

Former Scotland international Craig Burley criticised Neymar after the forward's emotional return to the international stage, saying the attacker looked sluggish and questioning whether his inclusion was "just a sentimental pick." Burley made the comments while working as a television pundit on ESPN.

Neymar came on as a substitute during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, ending a 981-day absence after a knee injury in October 2023. Technical metrics showed he created three scoring opportunities, but Burley said his movement failed to convince.

Burley added: "If you're Joao Pedro or one or two others that didn't make the squad and you're looking at that guy saying this is just a sentimental pick. Because, yeah, I know he's not had much game time, but he just looked so sluggish and off the pace and as if it passed him by." He questioned whether Neymar could be a decisive bench option against stronger opponents.

USA, Miami

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