Rakitic Explains Why Neymar Makes PSG One of the Favorites for the Champions League This Season

Former Barcelona and current Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic detailed how Neymar makes Paris Saint-Germain among the top favorites for the UEFA Champions League this season.

PSG is currently among the last eight clubs remaining in this season’s Champions League knockout stage. Neymar helped lead the way for PSG in the group stage while Kylian Mbappe was the difference-maker in the round of 16 against Barcelona.

Neymar stepped up for PSG last season in the Champions League quarterfinals against Atalanta. And this time around, Rakitic sees that because of the Brazilian forward, PSG is well among the top favorites in this season’s competition.

Raktiic spoke to Telefoot about his former teammate.

“I often say that Neymar I will always take him in my team,” Rakitic said. “He is one of the best players in the world. He has an incredible level. He is very important in a locker room. He is a jovial person who always tries to motivate his teammates. With Neymar in his team, Paris is naturally a favorite for the Champions League.”

Neymar will make his first appearance in this season’s Champions League knockout stage on Wednesday in the quarterfinal first leg against Bayern Munich. The PSG forward has had previous success against the Bundesliga powerhouse and this time around, the club surely hopes to see him repeat such strong play in this upcoming tie.

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