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AFC Champions League 2023-24 MD1 Neymar JR of Al-Hilal SFC KSA in action against PFC Navbahor UZB during their Match Day 1 of the AFC Champions League 2023-24 at the King Fahd International Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.09.19_PSI03215_SRA_0000770
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1034552366.jpg)
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AFC Champions League 2023-24 MD1 Neymar JR of Al-Hilal SFC KSA in action against PFC Navbahor UZB during their Match Day 1 of the AFC Champions League 2023-24 at the King Fahd International Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.09.19_PSI03215_SRA_0000770
Neymar is struggling to secure his debut goal for Al-Hilal this season. The marquee signing experienced outrage from the fans after his underwhelming performance in the games. Meanwhile, the Barca icons’ compatriot responded to the criticism.
The Brazilian superstar had to meet high expectations from the supporters after arriving on Arabian soil. Neymar created a strong offensive momentum for Al Zaeem but failed to portray his goal-scoring prowess in the games. However, Neymar’s 27-year-old teammate emphasized the need to withhold any judgment on Neymar’s performances and urged for support from the soccer fans.
Al Hilal’s forward remarks on supporters’ treatment of Neymar
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Neymar secured a ground-breaking $401 million deal with Al Hilal following his departure from PSG. After this, Brazil’s leading scorer suffered considerable criticism for not scoring in the last four games. The 31-year-old star endured scrutiny, particularly for his performance against Navbohar in the AFC CL and Damac in the Saudi Championship, where they ended up in a tie.
On this note, Michael, the Blue Waves forward, supported Neymar in these initial days with the Riyad-based club. Michael believed it was unfair for supporters to criticize Neymar following his achievements of netting 295 goals over the course of his career.
The ex-Flamengo forward is confident that the Brazilian talisman will deliver similar performances for his newly signed club as the season progresses. Michael stated in an interview, “People want to destroy Neymar, but I tell them to calm down and from now on they will know and see who he is”.
🚨🚨🚨🎙️ ميشيل:
الناس تريد تحطيم نيمار ولكن أقول لهم عليكم الهدوء ومن الآن فصاعداً سيعرفون وسيشاهدون من هو pic.twitter.com/Bl9TpsU5p0
— أخبار الهلال (@hilalstuff) September 30, 2023
Apparently, Neymar made a significant contribution to Al Hilal’s positive result against Al Shabab on Friday. The ex-PSG forward forged a relentless threat in the final third, aiming to overpower the rivals in the league fixture.
Despite missing the penalty, the Brazilian star helps Al Hilal reclaim the top spot
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Al Hilal secured their leading position in the Saudi Pro League after eight games with twenty points. The 18x league champions secured their sixth victory in the league against Al Shabab with a 2-0 scoreline. Neymar Jr. provided crucial assists for his teammates, contributing to both the goals.
The ex-Barca winger failed to convert a penalty at 37 and was unable to find any opportunity to score throughout the game. However, he consistently penetrated Al Shabab’s weak defense during the match.
The Brazilian star delivered a powerful corner in the 67 minute that was scored by Kalidou Koulibaly with a header. Neymar skillfully navigated in the penalty box to provide a splendid pass for Mitrovic to seal the match with his strike. Neymar’s performances underscore his significance for Al Hilal. As a result, fans hope to witness his inaugural goal as they advance to face Nassafi in the second group stage match of the AFC Champions League.
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Which game do you think Neymar will score his debut goal in? Comment below to share your thoughts.
Watch this story: Jimmy Butler Approves $120,000,000 Richer ‘Friend’ Neymar Jr’s Multi-Million Saudi League Deal