Leandro Paredes has settled into the Paris Saint-Germain clubhouse since his arrival in 2019 and he’s found consistent playing time with Les Parisiens in his second season. However, the role that he’s quietly assumed is the enforcer.
The 26-year-old is the unofficial bodyguard to Neymar Jr. on the pitch, who has endured dirty play from opponents and a lack of protection from officials. As a result, the Argentina international has made it part of his game to make sure there are repercussions for opponents who want to try to rough up Neymar.
Nonetheless, Paredes is hoping that he doesn’t only protect Neymar while at PSG. The capital club midfielder recently spoke with Foot 01 (via ParisFans) about winning the UEFA Champions League, an international trophy with Argentina, returning to Boca Juniors, and convincing his Brazilian teammate to go with him.
“I still have big goals, like winning the Champions League and winning a major title with Argentina. And the last step will be a return to Boca Juniors,” Paredes said. “If I had to bring a PSG player, it’s Neymar, of course. But he doesn’t talk to me too much about Boca. It is more the case of Cavani, or Ander Herrera, who follow the club closely, like fans.”
Depending on what Leonardo, PSG’s sporting director, decides to do at the defensive midfield position. Paredes will play an essential role for PSG if the Brazilian doesn’t choose to address it.
In Ligue 1, the Argentine seems comfortable playing that role, but it’s uncertain whether if he can play for 90 minutes of a Champions League knockout match.
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