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#WorldCupRank: No. 6 Neymar

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No. 6 Neymar, Barcelona/Brazil

Why he's ranked: The considerable weight of an expectant football nation will engulf 22-year-old Neymar this summer, and he appears to have the talent and temperament to deal with those demands. Boasting an electrifying turn of pace, finishing ability with either foot and growing awareness of those around him, he appears to be maturing at the right moment to cement his legacy. Expect him to offer up some of his trademark outrageous goals this summer.

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caption: Neymar helped Brazil to last year's Confederations Cup win. Now, he'll try to repeat that success on the sport's biggest stage.END#

Key stat: Won the Golden Ball at the 2013 Confederations Cup as the tournament's best player.

What the experts say: "The King of his own Carnival: a genius who will feel invincible and unbeatable with a supporting cast of good players that will be there to serve him." -- Rafa Ramos, ESPN Deportes

"Talented and unpredictable, Neymar carries the responsibility of leading Brazil in a route to the sixth world title." -- Leonardo Bertozzi, ESPN Brasil

"Neymar carries a huge responsibility in a Brazilian team in which he is the only undisputed ace. That said, he shows a level of maturity with the Selecao that he still lacks in Barcelona." >-- Paulo Cobos, ESPN Brasil

What You Think:

Other articles:
- ESPN FC Blogs: Brazil
- Rory Smith: Is Neymar worth the hype? Wait and see
- The countdown: Our Top 50 players of the World Cup

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