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'Neymar cannot always be brilliant' says Barcelona great Carles Puyol

Neymar, Atletico Madrid v Barcelona, Champions League
Image: Neymar has not scored in five matches

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.

Is Neymar to blame?
Is Neymar to blame?

Guillem Balague believes Neymar should not take full blame for Barcelona's recent drop in form

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.

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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.

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The La Liga title race is wide open after Barcelona lost their third league game in a row for the first time since 2003

"A bad game for Neymar can still be a good game because he still does spectacular things."

Also See:

Barca travel to play Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday night, live on Sky Sports 3 HD.

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Here's a look at some of Neymar's best moments in a Barcelona shirt this season.

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