Will Chelsea and Man City regret missing out on this Samba superstar?

Neymar of Barcelona

In one of the least surprising stories to come out this week, it emerged that Barcelona forward Neymar was the subject of concrete interest from English duo Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as European Champions Bayern Munich. Perhaps a bit bored by the lack of club football Barca president Sandro Rosell has used the international break to remind his European competitors of their loss when speaking to Cadena Ser.

Neymar has adapted well since his move from Brazil, particularly in recent weeks when he has stepped up to the plate as Barca’s main man following Lionel Messi’s injury. Undoubtedly, both City and Chelsea would welcome Neymar in to their team with open arms, but is a player of Neymar’s ilk and attributes really the priority for either side?

One of the Brazilian’s main strengths lies in running with the ball and taking on his opponent, something which Manchester City are currently lacking in. Neymar has completed 24 of 43 attempted take ons this season – a success rate of 58%. Still showing the effects of Roberto Mancini’s style of play, such flair would provide something with something different to their current players. Last season’s side was lacking in width and direct running while Jesus Navas, the man tasked with solving that problem, has managed just one take on all season.

City currently sit 17th in the Premier League of take ons, behind all teams but Sunderland, Southampton and Hull. Astonishingly for a side near the top of the league, the cumulative total of their top five players in terms of take ons is one less than Neymar has managed by himself. In one game, a 3-2 win over Sevilla, (above) Neymar made 6 take ons, the same as City’s top player in this aspect, Samir Nasri, has managed all season.

Neymar also provide’s creativity beyond his running. He has five assists and eight key passes, alongside two goals, in seven La Liga games this season. Equating to a key pass every 37 minutes that he is on the pitch, this creativity seems more suited to Manchester City than Chelsea. Whilst no team in the world would turn down a player of Neymar’s talents, Chelsea currently have a plethora of midfield options. In Hazard, Mata and Oscar, Chelsea have few problems in the attacking midfield areas, with their problems in the striking department ahead of them. City on the other hand may live to rue the day they missed out on the Brazilian.