Matches in the French league are one thing, as are international friendlies against Concacaf opposition – though it is fascinating that Neymar has decided to become Brazil’s captain two years after rejecting the post.
But a Champions League visit to the fabled home of last year’s finalists is much more like the real deal.
And in a group that also includes Napoli and Red Star Belgrade, there is no space for coasting.
The pressure is on – and it will be fascinating to see how Neymar reacts.
The World Cup was a problem for Neymar in two ways.
True, he made a successful comeback from a metatarsal injury, and was by no means a complete flop on the field.
But the rise of Kyllian Mbappe has cast a shadow over Neymar’s project to be chosen as the world’s greatest player.
After all, he left Barcelona last year because he was not considered the star attraction in the team.
He surely did not intend to be second in the Parisian pecking order.
And then, of course, there was all the diving and the simulation.
It turned Neymar into a global figure of fun.
And he is discovering the truth of the old adage that it is much harder to lose a reputation than to acquire one.
In the recent friendly against the USA, Neymar went to ground after a clash with Newcastle right back DeAndre Yedlin – who was then clearly seen asking the referee if he had seen the World Cup.
The inference is clear.
Neymar’s attempts to win free kicks cannot be trusted.
In the next game against El Salvador, much to his disgust, he was given a yellow card when he went down in the penalty area.
For such a slightly built, skilful player whose self-defence mechanism has always been to go to ground, it will not be easy to adapt.
But he has the benefit of playing alongside Daniel Alves, a team-mate from both Barcelona and Brazil who exerts a powerful leadership role in the dressing room.
“Some things happen in your life in order for you to gain maturity,” said Alves last week, “and acquire awareness of how you have to improve as a person and as a player.
I always say that if one or two people are criticizing, it could be a case of persecution.
But if lots are talking, that means that I’m doing something wrong, and it’s time to re-invent myself, polish up and improve.
I’ve talked a lot with Neymar about this aspect, and I think that he is aware of it and is more experienced.”
Anfield tonight is the first place where this new and harshly acquired knowledge will be put to the test.
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