Maradona37
Well-known member
Thanks.
It's not really about Neymar for me anyway (though I think you don't leave a talent like him out of the squad, even as a wild card). It's about the general argument.
Look at Messi - if he was sitting out all of Argentina's qualification games (I believe he has sat out a few not due to injury) that'd be fine - because He's Messi, still performing at a high level, can clearly seamlessly slot back into their system at any moment, and the rest might even be beneficial in his advanced football years.
Elite football is not a charity. Fringe players clearly understand that they'll be picked for the gentler games sometimes, and be a super sub for the elite players in the biggest games. If they don't get that, and feel they should be picked out of loyalty for what they done, then they don't have the elite mindset to be a top player or performer anyway. They should see a better player coming in as a challenge to improve their own game. Not to the level of the better player, as talent will always win eventually - but they can definitely improve their own ability and be the best version of themselves, and contribute as subs.
