Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Gaultier praised Neymar’s work ethic on Tuesday (September 13) after the Brazilian’s impressive start to the season.
PSG travel to Maccabi Haifa on Wednesday for the second leg of Group H in the Champions League and they will be able to rely on what appears to be the best version of Neymar.
The 30-year-old forward, who failed to show his full potential in previous seasons, has already scored eight goals and set up six in seven Ligue 1 games.
He also scored and assisted in PSG’s 2-1 win against Juventus in their Champions League opener last Tuesday.
“It’s not just me and my staff. He had a realization after last season where he was not good enough,” Gaultier said at a news conference on Tuesday.
“He has very high goals. He started the season cheerfully, very well. We tried to bring it to the best possible condition. He is a creator, an artist, and when he is physically healthy, he gives a lot.
“He is a player who has worked hard, both in attack and defence,” among the formidable trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, the Brazilian was the player who took on the most defensive work, proving that being an important part of a system of high Galtier press.
His efforts will be more than welcome on Wednesday as the Ligue 1 champions have been weakened in defense by Presnel Kimpembe’s muscle injury, which will keep the France international out for up to six weeks, the club said.
PSG are second in Group H on goal difference behind Benfica, who travel to Juventus.
