PSG : jewel Neves

Recruited at a high price during the summer mercato, João Neves has rapidly become a key figure at Paris Saint-Germain. Once again sparkling against Arsenal (2-1) on Wednesday in the Champions League, the Portuguese midfielder has everything it takes to become a legend at the Parc des Princes.

Let’s get straight to the point: can João Neves become the greatest midfielder in the history of Paris Saint-Germain? The question seems daring, even misplaced, but not really. At 20 years of age, the Portuguese still has many fine years ahead of him to become an established player and potentially a legend at the Parc des Princes. A career that may well hold surprises, both good and bad, as he got off to a flying start.

A price already forgotten

The price of his transfer? A pittance. Almost everyone has forgotten that the capital club paid 60 million euros – its tenth biggest purchase ever – to convince Benfica to sell its jewel last summer. By way of comparison, that’s six times the price paid for Marco Verratti from Pescara in 2012. A transaction that the Italian had more than paid for himself, thanks to his top-flight performances, at least during the first part of his stint of just over a decade.

The Lusitanian is probably doing even better than the Little Owl. After getting off to a flying start with 4 assists in his first 2 outings, the man who now has 5 goals and 9 assists in 49 games in all competitions for Paris is delighting fans with his explosive style. Always on the ball, he gives the impression of covering the whole pitch with his boundless activity, making life hell for his opponents.

Strong both on the ground and in the air

Against Arsenal (2-1) on Wednesday, João Neves was at the heart of most of the Parisian counter-attacks, winning the ball back either very low down to force the opposing team into the open, or very high up after effective pressing. Before the final in Munich, he was the player with the most tackles in the tournament (55). No player has done so well since Gennaro Gattuso in 2007-2008. Admittedly, the number of games is greater this season, but no-one from Arsenal, Barcelona or Inter has done better among the teams that have reached the last four.

While Vitinha was slightly below his best with several missed restarts, João Neves was never shaky in his knees. Clean with the ball, he was the second player to win the most duels (12), the most defensive returns (7) and the third with the most interceptions (5). Against big players like Declan Rice, Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino, PSG’s number 87 even won several balls in the air despite his relatively average height (1.74m).

Head on your shoulders

At the end of the match, João Neves was all smiles after having accomplished his mission. In advanced French, proof of his lightning adaptation to life in Paris, he spoke of his delight at reaching the final of the most prestigious club competition in his first season in France. “We’re very happy to reach the final, it’s the most important thing for us. Like tonight’s victory, to go and get it. Now we’ve got the chance to go for the final win,” the Parisian huffed for Canal+.

“Tonight was a real battle against a very strong team, with a lot of individual and collective qualities. But I think we were better in both legs. We’ll try to do the same against Inter, always playing our soccer. We’re confident,” concluded the most expensive summer recruit ahead of Désiré Doué and Willian Pacho. A near-perfect first year of business that promises even better things to come. Much to the delight of PSG fans.