Neymar was transferred to FC Barcelona this summer, and although not yet adapted 100% in Europe, impressed in the Catalan’s shirt. The 21-year-old Brazilian footballer is a constat figure in the starting XI led by Tata Martino and played so far in 11 games for the Catalans, and managed to score 3 goals and to deliver assists for another 6 successes.
In La Liga, the Brazilian checked seven appearances in the first 8 fixtures, and is the most fouled player in the Primera Division. Neymar was fouled 31 times in the 476 minutes that was on the pitch. Yet, Neymar was however accused of Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho that simulates too much.
The same number of fouls as Neymar suffered the new Atletico Madrid star, Diego Costa, but he played more than 200 minutes in addition to Neymar. The podium is completed by Galacticos’ Isco, who suffered 27 fouls while representing the Los Blancos grouping on the pitch.
Surprises the absence of Lionel Messi in the top three. Currently injured, Messi was fouled just 8 times in the 451 minutes he played in La Liga in the 2013-2014 season.
Top of the most fouled players in La Liga:
1. Neymar – 31 fouls suffered 476 minutes
2. Diego Costa – 31 fouls suffered 691 minutes
3. Isco – 27 fouls suffered 656 minutes
4. Carles Gil – 25 fouls suffered 625 minutes
5. Rodri – 23 fouls suffered 695 minutes