Tuesday 19 April 2016 11:57, UK
Barcelona legend Carles Puyol has leapt to the defence of misfiring Neymar, who has come under severe criticism following a five-match goal drought.
The Brazilian has scored 27 goals for Barca this season, but his alarming dip in form has coincided with his team's run of four games without a win in the league.
They now lead Atletico Madrid only by goal difference at the top of La Liga, and were dumped out of the Champions League last week by their title rivals.
They have won just once in their last six games - the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final - and have lost their last three games in the league to Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and, on Sunday, at home to struggling Valencia.
Neymar's struggles in front of goal have become a major talking point in Spain, but former Barca skipper Puyol said: "You cannot always be at the highest level.
"Neymar is still young and he is very professional. We must accept that he cannot always perform at an impressive level. But he will put in great performances again.
"A bad game for Neymar can still be a good game because he still does spectacular things."
Barca travel to play Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday night, live on Sky Sports 3 HD.
