Cédric Chasseur 1:53 p.m., October 29, 2021

Before facing Lille on Friday night, Paris Saint-Germain have not really been able to count on their Brazilian superstar since the start of the season.

The playmaker has been showing a lower level than his (very high) standards for several months, which does not really worry his coach, Mauricio Pochettino.

DECRYPTION

A question torments all Parisian supporters, and beyond all lovers of beautiful gestures: the extraordinary talent of Neymar, holder with Paris Saint-Germain against Lille, Friday night, has he disappeared?

First, there is the visual impression left by the 29-year-old, less swift and less explosive than when he arrived in the capital in the summer of 2017, for 222 million euros.

The Brazilian no longer has the same influence in the Parisian game, while Kylian Mbappé seems extremely decisive for the team coached by Mauricio Pochettino. 

Neymar shoots three times less on goal

The figures confirm the slightest hold of the number 10 of the Seleçao under the tricolor tunic. They are terrible for the Brazilian, author of a goal and two assists only since the restart. In four years, his average number of balls touched per game has dropped by about twenty units. He shoots three times less on goal and manages half the number of dribbles.

An implacable observation that tempers his coach: "For me, Neymar is a very creative player, with immense talent, undoubtedly one of the best players in the world", defends Mauricio Pochettino, who considers that the comparisons with the other best players of the world "are not righteous".

However, the technician concedes between the lines that the performance of the "Ney" is not optimal.

"We have to highlight the circumstances. We are doing our best to improve his performance and level of play. But I'm happy with him."

The best defensive side

There is however a satisfaction in the game of Neymar: his defensive contribution is more provided than the past seasons and he seems more concerned than Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappé this season.

Little consolation for the Brazilian, who sees his offensive contribution crumble match after match.