Earlier in the summer, Barcelona spent 57 million euros to purchase Brazilian phenom Neymar. Despite the large expense, the team has yet to start the youngster in its first two competitive matches. Barcelona veteran Dani Alves assured the media that there was nothing to worry about regarding Neymar's use on the team.
"[Neymar] is very motivated to play," Alves said, according to ESPN. "He knows where he has come to, and the demands here. He knows the responsibility he has. He has adapted in the best way possible into the group. Physically he is working well and taking advantage of the moments he gets. The more time he gets on the pitch, the more he will bring to Barca. Nobody is assured of a place at this club. There are players who earn more, others less, but we all must feel like possible starters."
The forward was a substitute in the team's opener against Levante and failed to score a goal. However, he provided equalizer days later in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid.
The arrival of Neymar initially created a great deal of speculation and controversy as many wondered whether the youngster would be able to work alongside superstar Lionel Messi. While neither has gotten a chance to play together in competitive matches, the two stars have expressed a desire to work together.
"There's no problem between us; these are things that come out of the press," Messi told reporters last week. "We get on with each other on and off the pitch and we're getting to know each other little by little...We haven't played much together. But he'll bring a lot of joy to the club, to us and to the people."
"I feel very comfortable with him," Neymar added. "He's an idol of mine and I'm so happy to be able to be alongside him. He's a fantastic player and a great person and I just want to help him to continue making the Barca fans happy."
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