Galtier Analyzes the Key Factors Behind Neymar’s Exceptional Chemistry With Messi and Mbappe This Season

Neymar has managed to silence critics so far this season. The Brazilian forward has been quite a vital goal-scorer and playmaker for Paris Saint-Germain in all competitions.

For PSG manager Christophe Galtier (via RMC Sport), there is much that stands out to him about Neymar, including his keen chemistry with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe coupled with just how versatile of a forward he is on the pitch.

“To be good, to be effective, with a relationship with Mbappe and Messi,” Galtier said during a press conference on Saturday. “He has this ability and desire to be very mobile. He likes to come very low to get the ball out, also when it is necessary to give a hand on the weak times. He is the link between the offensive sector and the defense. He is not a third midfielder. But in the national team, he is often in a three-man midfield. I make sure that he is in his preferred zone. He has this desire to be very active on the field.

“He is not a positional player. To put him in a position would be to deprive himself of his qualities.”

Neymar missed PSG’s UEFA Champions League away group stage fixture against Juventus due to a yellow card suspension. With Lionel Messi ruled out from PSG’s Ligue 1 away fixture against Lorient due to injury, Neymar may be called on to be more of a playmaker for the side in this contest.

PSG heads into Ligue 1 matchday 14 in first place in the standings and with a five-point lead over second-place side RC Lens.