Neymar, whenever he's ready

Neymar's transfer is still going according to plan. Nothing new, no significant changes to what's already been written here. He's a unique talent, a high-profile footballer and a virtuoso who carries his nation's hopes of regaining the world title. He does whatever he wants in the Brazilian league. He plays as if the pitch were his back yard, has fun and performs well under pressure. Despite having every sponsor and more, he hasn't changed.

It was his birthday on the eve of the game at Wembley. He is the star of the Canarinho. He was charged with presenting the shirt. 'Big Phil' Scolari's plans involve giving the team a solid back line and ensuring that when it attacks it does so as Neymar plus ten. There are one and half years left until the big test.

That's what they’ve been saying since Guardiola's departure. Fully aware of the threat posed by PSG, Rosell and Tito Vilanova tried to speed up the time frame, but Neymar preferred to stay another season.