Neymar was unable to prevent Brazil slumping to a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Belgium in Kazan last week.

The world’s most expensive footballer, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in a £200 million deal from Barcelona last summer, starred in the 2-0 win over Mexico in the Round of 16 but couldn’t repeat his heroics against Roberto Martinez’s side.

For Brazil, the most successful nation in World Cup history, a quarter-final exit is a massive disappointment. The Brazilian public expected World Cup glory, despite what happened four years ago, and the onus was on Neymar to deliver it.

However, aside from the fact he failed to inspire Brazil to beyond the last eight, the 26-year-old has also been heavily criticised for his theatrics at this summer’s showpiece international tournament in Russia.

Although far from the only guilty individual, Neymar’s play-acting became the main talking point after every Brazil match.

He was described as “absolutely pathetic” by former England striker Alan Shearer after rolling around after he was stepped on by Mexico’s Miguel Layun.

"There’s no doubting the ability of him,” Shearer said on the BBC, “but it really is pathetic when he’s rolling around in agony, why does he feel the need to do that?”

Xavi makes an excellent point about Neymar

Shearer echoed the sentiment of the majority of football fans, who were disappointed to see a player of Neymar’s calibre constantly attempting to deceive the referee with gamesmanship.

However, Neymar’s former Barcelona teammate Xavi - a man who looks destined to become a coach when he hangs up his boots - has made a great point about the Brazilian forward.

Asked if he felt Neymar went too far with his theatrics, Xavi told AS: "It's the way he plays, it's just the way he is and that's hard to change. I can understand that it causes problems, some people think he dives too much…”

He added: “… but what you cannot criticise him for is for lack of trying or for not having personality; he will always take on a player or carry the weight of the team on his shoulders and I would much rather have a player like that on my side than someone who hides, or is afraid to take risks.”

Xavi is spot on: Neymar never hides

It’s a very interesting point. Although Neymar must be infuriating to play alongside at times, he’s always looking to get on the ball and make the difference for his team.

No matter what might happen in a match, he never hides - and that’s a hallmark of a world-class footballer.

Asked if he thinks Neymar is the player with the most talent after Lionel Messi, Xavi continued: “Right now, yes. He is the clear successor to Messi and Cristiano. He's the No.1."

And when asked if anyone at Barcelona took Neymar to one side about his antics, he said: “No. We're all old enough to know what we're doing. What we did have to do from time to time was defend him from rival players who were trying to wind him up.”