He could have been the last star PSG could count on. For a time, Neymar looked set to be the only Parisian attacking star available to challenge Bayern Munich. Kylian Mbappé, was injured and forfeited. Leo Messi, touched in Marseille and absent against Monaco, was doubtful. The French and the Argentinian are finally in the group for the clash against the Bavarian giant. In what physical condition? That’s the whole question. Of the three, Neymar is the most reliable in this area, at a time when he is most often in the habit of failing.
It’s hard not to see the irony of fate there. Neymar in February, it’s been quite a novel since he’s been in Paris. Injuries that deprived PSG of their presence in so many Champions League round of 16: the return against Real Madrid in 2018 (1-3), the double confrontation with Manchester United in 2019 (0-2, 1- 3), the reunion with FC Barcelona in 2021 (1-4, 1-1). And in 2020, he had just come out of the infirmary for the first leg against Borussia Dortmund (2-1). As for the one against Real Madrid in 2023 (1-0).
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The Neymar du Rocher is precisely the one that PSG does not want to see. A player without imagination, without desire and so quick to let himself be won over by frustration. A boss, because he is one, who pulls his team down when it needs to be pushed up. Quite the opposite of what the Brazilian has to show against Bayern Munich. His leadership is expected at all levels. First technical, against one of the best teams in the world, and probably superior to PSG. But also moral, within a club which has too often displayed prohibitive mental limits at the time of the biggest deadlines.
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It is especially in this area, beyond his numerous injuries, that he has too often disappointed Paris. But yet, PSG will always be able to find reasons to believe in him. Especially before a game against Bayern Munich. Neymar had perhaps achieved his best performances in the Champions League in the Parisian jersey during the confrontation with the German club in the quarter-finals of the 2020-21 edition. Author of two assists to inspire the victory of PSG in the first leg (2-3), the Brazilian had also signed a recital in the return despite the defeat of his team at the Parc des Princes (0-1).
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Neymar is also capable of that. The Champions League most often offers him the stage where he best expresses his qualities. Even physically diminished, he had confirmed it again last season against Real Madrid. At the origin of Kylian Mbappé’s goal shortly after coming into play in Paris (1-0), he also offered a decisive pass to the French striker on his return to Santiago-Bernabeu. His influence during the journey to the final in 2020 also goes in this direction. The Brazilian is regularly injured as the knockout matches approach. But when he is not, he has this ability to be decisive at the highest level. And to take his team with him.
Now more than ever is the time to remember that. For a PSG of which he is paradoxically the most physically reliable offensive element when it comes to rubbing shoulders with the Bavarian club, despite the returns of Messi and Mbappé. For him too. Somehow, the most expensive player in history failed to live up to the expectations placed on him by the capital club. He never fully gave the impression that Paris could count on him. The Brazilian has a superb opportunity to correct the situation. Because PSG really needs him.
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