PSG need Kylian Mbappe and Neymar on the same page to reach their full potential

Beat Paris Saint Germain Montpellier HSC 5-2 at the Parc des Princes on Saturday to open an early two-point lead at the Ligue 1 summit. neymar scored twice while Kylian Mbappe opened his account for the season despite missing a penalty. Still, the focus after the game was hints of tension between the superstar couple.

The Brazilian currently tops both the Championnat and Assist charts with three goals each after a 5-0 away win on the opening day clermont Foot 63 was followed by the Montpellier drubbing. The Frenchman took longer to get going after a national suspension last season kept him away from the Champions’ Trophy before an injury ruled him out against Clermont.

Now that both are back on the pitch together Lionel Messi, who has also returned this season focused and in good shape, we get our first competitive look at the new balance of power in the capital. The hope is evident that the second year will prove more harmonious than the uneven first pass of the great tree. But no sooner had Mbappe extended his stay PSGthen reports surfaced suggesting Neymar was on his way out as part of a major cleanup.

At one point Luis Campos was appointed sports advisor following Leonardo’s departure as sporting director, replacing Christophe Galtier Moritz Pochettino as head coach has been left the door open to Neymar to regain his favor. However, it was perfectly clear that Les Parisiens would put in bids for the €225m man – assuming any came through.

Despite links to Manchester City, whom Pep Guardiola shot down himself, it has always been difficult to find applicants able to pay a fee for Neymar and cover his PSG salary without this increase in form. Whether it’s enough to convince a club to go all-in for the South American this month is doubtful, but his form and demeanor have been immaculate under Galtier so far.

“Neymar has been beyond any doubt since July 4,” said the 55-year-old. “He’s behaving well, coming back ready and preparing well. He’s performing very well in all our games. He’s happy in those games and he’s playing for his team-mates. He’s opportunistic with his goals. He works well for them “Team and in it system which is a must. In terms of what happens by the end of the transfer window, I see what is written. Everyone is happy with Neymar in terms of their investment.

Takes into account his two-goal tally against FC nantes at the Trophe des Champions in Tel Aviv before the Ligue 1 season started and Neymar has already scored five goals and three assists this season. Two of those strikes were admittedly penalties, but it’s not just his stats that have impressed Galtier – it’s his overall pace of work and attitude, which is in line with expectations set upon his arrival.

“That he has to work for the team,” said the Frenchman about the challenge he set for the erratic number 10. “We know he’s talented and a world-class player. He’s one of the best and he performs very well when he’s physically and mentally good. He works for the team and performs well. This system needs balance and he reacts to that. When you lose the ball you have to challenge defensively. Overall, he knows how to play with his team-mates.” .”

The concern for PSG is that this is part of Neymar’s preparation phase for the 2022 FIFA World Cup as his hot form is just as likely to dry up after Qatar and midway currently Term rather than lasting for the duration of the season. The same goes for Messi, who has three goals and one assist from three competitive games so far.

Ultimately, if no one makes an offer to Neymar that PSG would accept, the debate is pointless as he will remain in Paris. Mbappe’s initial tensions are understandable given his suspension and opening through injury, but there’s no doubt the team are much better off with two of his attacking three stars firing so early in the campaign while he’s revving up.

Given Mbappe’s ability to carry this PSG side of the last 12-18 months, getting the best out of him was the least of Galtier’s concerns. Finding the best way for Mbappe, Neymar and Messi to live together will now be key as Campos continues to rebuild the squad, with further transfer activity expected this week as the atmosphere within the group gets fresh oxygen.