Five years after his arrival, Neymar has tamed the Classic. Sunday October 16, the Brazilian was in all the good shots in Paris during the victory against Marseille (1-0) at the Parc des Princes. The only scorer of the meeting was available and could have, with more accuracy from his teammates, distilled two assists. Irreproachable in his state of mind, the Brazilian with a contrasting history against OM (3 goals but 2 red cards and two injuries in 8 games before the evening game), finally dazzled a Classic.
45′ + 2 Yes! The opener of the score @neymarjr !!! #PSGOM 1-0 I #The classic pic.twitter.com/iO3hXolT8L
— Paris Saint Germain (@PSG_inside) October 16, 2022
Positioned in a role of false number 9 on paper, “Ney” actually dezoned a lot in a first half when the Parisian block was low, to better spring against. It was not uncommon to see the Brazilian launch Kylian Mbappé or Lionel Messi from his own side, taking advantage of the spaces left by the Marseille defenders.
Illustration of this role as a launching pad, he was the most prominent Parisian with 89 balls touched and 5 dribbles, the highest totals of his team. His lower position than usual resulted in several faults suffered in the center circle. Samuel Gigot’s too bleeding tackle, which earned the defender a red (72nd), was also committed in this area. But more than his raw statistics, the Parisian above all shone through body language reflecting a liberated spirit.
Since the beginning of his Parisian adventure, it may have been fashionable to castigate the individualistic character of Neymar. Such reproaches cannot be made to him on Sunday. The Brazilian played for the others and his goal (45th + 2) came on his only attempted shot, with a subtle inside right foot. Proof of his altruism, he did not flinch when leaving a free kick in excellent position for Messi (35th, on the bar).
Obviously, the “Ney” experienced a relative waste in his game (86% of successful passes, second worst Parisian total). We would be fussy to blame him for a sketch of simulation on a fair tackle from Leonardo Balerdi in the second half. Because in reality, the overall impression left by Neymar was of rare sobriety and accuracy, in his game as in his attitude.
Nervous in a muscular match in Reims last Saturday, he was, on the contrary, this evening of an Olympian calm. However, there would have been enough to get upset, when the Brazilian was dried up many times by Jordan Veretout or Valentin Rongier. There was also material to get carried away on the very rough tackle of Gigot. But, focused on his score, Neymar, who often unpinned against OM, this time did not make waves. The ovation of the Parc des Princes when he left, in the 88th minute, was all the more deserved.