Neymar Jr: For the love of the game

The place that Neymar Jr feels most at home, is on the football pitch. The Brazilian has never hidden his frustration at that the injuries he has suffered in recent seasons. But this season, there is no doubt that it was out on the pitch that he was able to provide answers.

Decisive every 71 minutes across all competitions in 2019-2020, Neymar Jr continues to delight in front of goal, but also in smaller spaces, on his wing or across the pitch. An unwavering commitment throughout the year, that his coach couldn't help but celebrate week after week.

A master of arts with the ball at feet, nobody can beat his record (an average of 6 dribbles per match) in the top five European leagues. 

Of course, the art of running with the ball doesn't protect him from some rather hopeless tackles, which explains why he was also the player that was most fouled in Ligue 1 last season (4.1 fouls on average).

And so to the pitch then?

Upon his return to the Parc des Princes, it was from his very first match, against Strasbourg, that the Parisian looked to add life back to his boots. Playing in a n°10 role, he impressed time and time again with mazy runs and skills aplenty. And it was against the run of play that he secured the three points for his side, scoring the only goal of the game in the 92nd minute (1-0), with a superb acrobatic effort that came from nowhere. 

We didn't need to wait long to see him at best once again, with him putting in another excellent effort in the following match, this time on the left wing against Olympique Lyonnais. Between probing runs, numerous efforts at goal (no less than five shots on target), it was to be a left-footed strike, just three minutes from the end of normal time that would earn the victory at the Groupama Stadium, with the only goal of the encounter (0-1).

Another goal against Bordeaux a week later, and then again against Angers. And the machine was set on his way. He showed from the very start of the 2019-2020 season, the desire of a player that wanted to cut loose from the media frenzy that surrounds him. To show that you can win over the hearts of a capital by delivering the emotions it deserves. Fluctuat nec mergitur…

Between 4 December and 1 February, he only needed 8 league matches to be involved in 15 goals: 9 goals scored and 6 assists. The fitting moment for him to form a strong duo with Kylian Mbappé.

It was in the cold of the month of December that the duo went to town. Against Galatasaray and bringing to end an almost perfect Champions League group stage, Neymar Jr revealed his impact on the side. With deadly runs, beautiful long passes and some explosive build up with the Frenchman, the opener started with Ney finding the World Champion, before Mauro Icardi finished. And he then perfectly played in Pablo Sarabia for the second goal, before scoring the third from Kylian Mbappé's back-heel and then burying a fourth into the back of the net. To cap this all off, he won a penalty for the fifth, which Edinson Cavani tucked away smartly (5-0).

And it was in Europe that the Brazilian international last showed his quality. He picked up the only Paris goal in the first leg of the Round of 16 against Borussia Dortmund, keeping Les Parisiens alive in the encounter (2-1). The Brazilian was also the man that made the difference in the return leg, despite his lack of rhythm. He showed his liveliness throughout and was constantly a nuisance. for the German defenders. And so it was with his head that Ney opened the scoring for Paris Saint-Germain (2-0). 

"Neymar is always the key, both defensively and in attack. He is always reliable in the important matches. He works hard, is always there and intelligent without the ball. And we saw that he is feeling more comfortable than in the first leg. He takes on his responsibilities. It leaves a good impression on everybody", delighted Thomas Tuchel on PSG TV following his side's qualification. 

The season is far from over for the 28 year old, who has already scored 69 goals and picked up 36 assists in his 80 matches for the club from the Capital. There are plenty of challenges still to come, including the two finals of the domestic cups, and the Champions League quarter final in Lisbon. 

"I am ready and can't wait to get back, I am thinking a lot about the Champions League of course. We have a solid squad and achieved a historic qualification, with commitment and desire. I can't wait to get back onto the pitch and God willing, make history.", explained the Brazilian forward. And that's a good thing given that the pitches have missed Neymar as much as he has missed the pitches.