Messi & Neymar: A Workable Combination?

When Dutch legend Johan Cruyff was recently quoted as saying that he would have planned for the selling of Lionel Messi now that Barca have Neymar on board, it caused a stir among Barca and football fans in general, with many wondering if he knew what he was talking about and others pausing to have a re-think about the combination. Cruyff was also quoted as saying: 

'Neymar's arrival could cause problems. Just look at free-kicks for example. Neymar is very good at taking them. And Messi has already shown he is great too. Who is going to take them......

There's no doubting Neymar's huge talent but he is also known for his sometimes excessive showboating which tends to slow down the team's play. While showboating is hugely appreciated in South American football, European football is too much result-oriented and all what managers and fans alike wants to see is results. Can Neymar sacrifie this aspect of his game for the (benefit of) team? 

Another, and perhaps the biggest question is, can these two players with their big egos co-exist without causing a  rift considering their somewhat different ideology of how football is played. One very business-like and the other, extravagant.Consider a match scenario in which Messi gives a pass to Neymar in the hope of a one-two return, but instead Neymar goes on one of his numerous box tricks. 

It's fair to say that Barca is built around Messi and he is the 'shot-caller'. As good as Xavi & Iniesta have been over the years, they are happy to play second fiddle and watch Messi take centre-stage and all the glory that comes with it. Is Neymar prepared to accept this?You would think that as both are South Americans, they should get on well but the rivalry among players from that continent is well documented and i do not see them being best of friends on or off the field.

Having said all these, one other factor we all seems to overlook is the preference of the manager. Will his style/formation accommodate both players in same team? Well, i think the manager has got his hands tied on this one as i can't see the club directors sitting back and watch their huge investment being left on the bench.

Whether this combo is workable, only time will tell.