Edgar Davids defends Neymar’s form at Barcelona

Former Barcelona midfielder Edgar Davids has hit back harshly at criticism over Neymar’s form.

Neymar has failed to impress lately, going six games without scoring before he finally netted against Deportivo La Coruna last week and often cutting a somewhat frustrated figure on the pitch.

Davids has brushed this off, however, and told the press with confidence at an International Champions Cup launch that criticism of Neymar’s form is unjust.

The Brazil international scored in the 8-0 and 6-0 thrashings of Deportivo La Coruna and Sporting Gijon, but he had gone five matches without a goal prior to those victories beforehand.

Luis Suarez jumped to Neymar’s defence last week just after Barca’s run of just one win in six games was viciously blamed by some critics on the form of the former Santos forward.

And Davids believes it is unjust to scrutinise Neymar’s form given the way he played during the treble triumph back in 2014-15.

“If you are Neymar or [Lionel] Messi or Suarez, people expect every week back-to-back goals or brilliant performances,” he said, speaking at an International Champions Cup launch. “Let’s be honest, they’re human.

“He did fantastic last season and it’s only human to have a little bit of a slump, but it’s still there for him to finish the season on top.”