Faced with criticism, Neymar provides a first response against Lille

Reviews are normal. I’ve been playing football for 15 years, I don’t care. The most important critic is me. I know what I’m doing on the pitch for my team.“. At the microphone of Prime Video at the end of the Parisian victory against LOSC (2-1) Friday, October 29, Neymar obviously wanted to set the record straight. Pointed out for his failed start to the season with Paris Saint-Germain, the Brazilian was finally able to respond on the field during this 12th day of Ligue 1.

The start of the match, however, resembled a repetition of the previous ones. A draft PSG and without ideas collectively, relying on the exploits of its individualities. And in the absence of Mbappé, the most prolific of the Fantastic Four since the start of the season, Parisian supporters could fear the worst.

Without the sharp calls and the deep grip of the French, Neymar and his teammates have long tried to force their way through the Lille block. Without success, even if the number 10 of PSG seemed to have partly regained the acceleration over a few meters which allows him to get rid of his vis-à-vis. During the first half, Neymar got bogged down in bad choices and ineffective dribbling, and seemed overall unable to uplift his team and influence their play.

Upon returning from the locker room, the Seleção playmaker was able to raise his level. Thanks to Messi’s exit leaving him alone in the heart of the game? Possible. The transition from a 4-3-3 to a system with three central defenders, forcing him less to go down to look for the balls? Likely. In any case, Neymar has never ceased to create spaces through his activity with the ball at the foot, and to seek to move forward. But it was with his pressing that the Brazilian started the Parisian equalizer. Forcing José Fonte to concede a touch near the corner post, he exchanges with Wijnaldum, then Nuno Mendes before throwing Di Maria deep on the left side of the Lille area. The Argentinian progressed then dropped a ball stung for Marquinhos, who concluded alone at the far post with the flat of the right foot. El Fideo, author of an assist and a goal, was the other strong man on the Parisian side.

The tone was set for Neymar, who appeared determined to see his team win. He could even have given himself an assist in the 84th minute after an away wonder for Icardi, breaking two lines and putting the striker in the ideal position. facing Grbic. Despite the duel lost by Icardi, the Brazilian was able to be decisive four minutes later. When entering the area, he leaves the ball in the race for Di Maria, launched. In one touch, the former Real and Manchester United punished Lille with a flat left foot. This did not prevent Neymar from continuing his defensive efforts until the final whistle. As if to respond to those who criticize his lack of involvement with Paris.

With this victory against the champions of France, PSG consolidates its first place in the standings. And with a Neymar back in shape, the Parisian club can approach the return match against Leipzig with a little more serenity.


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