From Neymar Jr to Señor Neymar

When Paris Saint-Germain set out to dress Neymar Jr in his blue and red, he didn't think it would take him so long or so many troubles to get to the penultimate continental round. Money has its processes, more immediate, and can help accelerate the timing of football, to rise in the rankings, but football does not always meet the will of investors.

This Wednesday, the Brazilian was finally able to sign up for an absolutely key game in Europe with Paris Saint-Germain. In previous years, injuries deprived him of being in the second leg against Real Madrid (eighth of 17-18) and of the entire tie against United (same round in 18-19). This 19-20, has managed to give a 180 degree turn to the European course of the Parisians.

It wasn't until November 26 that the 10th came into play in the Champions League. Ney returned to the Bernabéu after a penalty and an injury prevented him from appearing in the continental group stage. 45 minutes and with a tie (2-2). At home, against Galatasaray, he warmed up for what was coming with a goal and two assists. Stop until February, waiting for Dortmund.

In Westphalia, his goal, which was born from a tremendous play by Mbappé, gave life to PSG in the tie. Those in the capital feared another hit. In Paris, Ney started the comeback. He wanted the ball at his feet (3.9% possession, the most of the above) and it was barely taken away, just once. Also, He opened the can upside down taking advantage of a corner thrown from the right and began to meditate imitating Haaland. He has already been that arrogant young man and he still has reminiscences. He enjoyed putting the Norwegian giant 'in his place'. Upside down and with his celebration, with his own medicine. Then, the Covid-19 was already raging in Europe and the Champions League had to be postponed and turned into a final to eight in Lisbon.

Culmen before Atalanta

Last night in Lisbon he knew he was alone. Accompanied by ten more, yes, but knowing that nothing else Kylian Mbappé, on the bench and touched, manages to be as decisive as he was in Paris.

Quasi solely responsible for the future of PSG in the Champions League, there is nothing, he carried that slab as expected against Atalanta. The Brazilian was active from the beginning and happened to be the only weapon of the capital. In the 10th minute, he was able to open the tie but his heads-up went far. In front of goal, it was all mistakes and even so, he killed the Goddess.

The Brazilian was a long reference for Keylor, as Papu drowned Marquinhos at the ball exit, and after receiving he attracted and left rivals behind. Up to sixteen times with success, an outrage at the height of Messi. His Mohican haircut and dribbling skills were reminiscent of his days at Santos. As he did with Peixe, he ended up standing with the ball dead on his feet and fixing his eyes on his rivals until he started and took the push out of rage. Talent that transforms into a certain daring and that helps him force foul after foul, which he receives with a certain stoicity, although not always.

He went through his moments of despair, did not lose the north, and turned the tie around with two key actions. In the first goal, he lowered the ball and gave it to Marquinhos with some luck. In the second, he made the entire Italian defense dizzy before filtering a luxury pass for Mbappé that assisted Choupo-Moting to make it 2-1.

Against Atalanta, Neymar once again demonstrated his evolution outside of Barcelona. From excellent winger to total player. That the 'Jr' on his shirt only indicates that he is the son of Neymar Pai, not a child. At 28, 'Mr. Neymar 'looks forward to winning his second Champions League in Paris as he gropes his return to Barcelona. That love for Batman or video games does not distract them, Neymar has matured, at least, on the green.