Like most of his teammates, Neymar Jr did not perform in Lisbon against Benfica (1-1) on Wednesday, his best game of the season.
With 76% of successful passes and 23 lost balls, the Brazilian was far from his demonstration of September 6 against Juventus (90% of successful passes, 16 lost balls).
After an almost perfect copy between the beginning of August and mid-September with the virtual title of top scorer in the championship (8, like Kylian Mbappé) and that of best passer (7), a feeling of fatigue set in.
Even if he has not planted for three matches, the number 10 of PSG and Seleçao seems very satisfied with his start to the season.
“I am very happy to have started my season well, whether with Paris Saint-Germain or with the Brazilian selection, he explains on PSG.fr.
It is a goal this year to win with both teams.
We have a World Cup coming up and we know how tough it is.
But I have this big dream to win it.
Like the Champions League which will soon be in Paris, I'm sure.
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Between the Neymar before and that of now, there is no comparison, especially in the defensive sector which he tended to neglect.
Against Benfica (1-1), the statistics prove him right.
Of his five direct defensive duels, he won three.
In total, he has won 41% of his defensive duels on the European stage.
Beyond the statistical elements, the Brazilian is the member of the attacking trio who spends the most on defensive withdrawals, which is not insignificant, especially to block the left lane.
The Brazilian is also satisfied: “I feel like a more complete player, since I can defend, attack or score goals, make decisive passes, whatever you want.
I think everyone helps.
Obviously, I know I'm not an amazing defender, but I at least try to help my teammates as best I can.
To win (the Champions League), a team must know how to suffer, learn to suffer, suffer so as not to concede a goal, not to give space to the opponent.
But I think it's something normal to suffer during a match, in such a high level competition.
So it's a good thing that it's happening now, because that's how we prepare for the final stages.
Of course, his performance will only be appreciated on the length,
It will thus be interesting to see how the Auriverde player will manage to manage all the competitions.
With Brazil, he will be one of the favorites for the next World Cup which begins in a month and a half, with the ambition of dethroning King Pelé in the top scorer ranking (75 goals against 77).