Joao Neves was excellent for PSG against Liverpool in the Champions League (Image: Getty)
will have watched on with glee as exited the in a rare disappointment in an otherwise remarkable campaign for their north-west rivals. But anyone at Old Trafford pausing for thought might reflect with regret on the failure to land Paris Saint-Germain star Joao Neves following his masterclass at Anfield.
The 20-year-old was the standout performer across a two-legged tie in which PSG reminded the rest of Europe that they are genuine Champions League contenders. Alongside Vitinha, whose rise from bit-part Wolves loanee to top-class midfielder is equally impressive, Neves unlocked one of the continent’s best midfields and handed PSG the keys to a resounding success.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
United were linked with the then-Benfica star Neves last summer but lost that battle to the Parisians. In what might now feel like a double-whammy, United signed PSG’s Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguayan midfielder who even the most ardent Red Devils fan will confess to being an inferior player.
It is rare to see a player so diminutive be the most physically imposing cog in a midfield on this stage. Neves sometimes appears even shorter than his five-foot-nine-inch frame but plays as if he is a six-foot-three destroyer in his physical prime.
The most impressive was not even how he bullied ’s midfield in a physical battle. It was instead the intelligence with which he dismantled ’s press at such ease and allowed PSG to routinely swarm through the centre of the pitch.
Neves would begin PSG’s build-up as the deepest midfielder before moving into left-sided centre-back role, creating a back three when the French champions had the ball. This baited Dominik Szoboszlai to move out of position and press the Portugal international. PSG’s full-backs advanced forwards, safe in the knowledge that there was protection if the ball was turned over, pinning back and Andy Robertson.
Man Utd were previously linked with Joao Neves (Image: Getty)
Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch – playing in the two deeper midfield positions in ’s 4-2-3-1 formation – found themselves outnumbered against PSG’s other midfielders, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz, and their inverted wingers, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola. For once, lost the tactical battle and it was largely because of Neves.
It was not only his physicality and movement which defeated , Neves’ ability on the ball is supreme and in a different stratosphere to Ugarte, the player discarded to United to make way for his arrival. According to football data website FBref, his pass completion, progressive passes, progressive carries, take-ons, and touches all rank among the top players in the world. Many of his PSG’s most promising attacks started with Neves.
A remarkably rounded midfielder, Neves has it all. United should be reeling over their failure to land him last year.