The World Cup is finally here. A few months later than usual but here nonetheless. And the team at RotoBaller has you covered for all your World Cup needs. We'll be bringing you DFS articles, game previews, and betting picks throughout the competition.
The Golden Ball is an award given to the best individual player at the World Cup. The award was first awarded in the 1982 World Cup to Italy's Paolo Rossi. Luka Modric won the Golden Ball while leading underdog Croatia to a runner-up finish in the 2018 World Cup.
Neymar, who turned 30 this year, needs two goals to tie Brazil's international scoring record held by Pelé. The Brazilians enter this tournament as the favorites and hone in on their record sixth World Cup title. Will Neymar and Brazil make a deep run? Should I pick Neymar to win the Golden Ball?
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Will Neymar and Brazil Make a Deep Run?
Brazil is the top-ranked nation in the world, according to FIFA's world rankings. The Brazilians lost in the quarterfinals to third-place Belgium in the 2018 World Cup and are grouped with Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon to kick things offs in Qatar.
Neymar headlines a roster that is loaded from top to bottom. As world-class keeper Alisson Becker provides the last line of defense, Vinìcius Jùnior, Richarlison, and Neymar will reign terror on opponents. A thin midfield is the only thing that could derail Brazil's World Cup.
The Brazilians are a near-guarantee to make it out of the group stage and are a heavy favorite to place top-four in the tournament. The most historically decorated nation looks to write another chapter in its record books.
Should I Pick Neymar to Win the Golden Ball?
One of our generation's top talents, Neymar is at the forefront of sportsbooks to win the most valuable player. Given Brazil's high expectations to succeed as a team in the tournament, it's reasonable to find their best player atop the oddsmakers' lists.
The Paris Saint-Germain left-winger remains an elite playmaker capable of delivering moments of greatness. With how loaded the Brazilian attack is, Neymar can lead the tournament in goals and assists given his integral role in the attack.
Neymar has scored 14 goals in his last 20 appearances for Brazil. At 30-years-old, this could be the last World Cup we see Neymar suit up. The talent he holds, concatenated with the surrounding talent, is the reason why Neymar remains a solid option to win the 2022 World Cup's Golden Ball.
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