# Al-Hilal's Neymar: A Look into His Playing Time This Season
**Neymar's Role as a Key Player**
Neymar Jr., the Brazilian superstar, has once again proven his importance to Al-Hilal this season. Despite initial concerns about his playing time, Neymar has consistently started in key matches, showcasing his versatility on the field. His ability to play as a false nine, deep-lying midfielder, or even in advanced attacking positions has made him a crucial asset to Head Coach Pedro Martins. Neymar's adaptability has allowed him to contribute significantly even when he isn't always the primary goal-scoring threat.
**Playing Time Analysis**
This season, Neymar has been involved in almost every match, averaging around 70-75 minutes per game. While this is slightly lower than his minutes from last season, it's still indicative of his importance to the team. The reduction in playing time could be attributed to the team's overall performance and the depth of the squad, but Neymar has still managed to make an impact whenever he's on the field. His work rate, defensive contributions, and ability to break defenses have been key factors in Al-Hilal's success this term.
**Neymar's Contributions**
Despite playing fewer minutes, Neymar has still scored a handful of goals and created several chances for his teammates. His defensive awareness and ability to track back have also been crucial, particularly in high-pressure situations. Neymar's leadership on and off the field has been a stabilizing force for the team, helping younger players develop and adapt to the high demands of Saudi Pro League.
**Team Performance and Strategy**
Al-Hilal's strong start to the season has been partly attributed to their balanced approach, with multiple players contributing to goals and defense. This has allowed Coach Martins to manage Neymar's minutes more carefully, knowing that the team can maintain high performance even without him on the field for the full duration. Neymar's presence, however, continues to inspire his teammates and fans, making him a symbol of the club's identity and ambition.
**Conclusion**
While Neymar's playing time may have decreased slightly this season, his impact remains undeniable. Al-Hilal's success is a testament to his adaptability and leadership, as well as the growing depth of the squad. Neymar's ability to perform in multiple roles ensures that he remains a key player, even as the team evolves. With the league title race heating up, Neymar and Al-Hilal will be looking to make history together this season.