Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden revealed why Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar is the most difficult opponent that he has faced this season.
Foden went up against Neymar during the UEFA Champions League semifinal tie between Manchester and PSG this season. Neymar did not have his way over both fixtures as he did not chip in with a goal involvement for the French powerhouse. Still, the Brazilian forward orchestrated some impressive skill moves that surely wowed multiple Manchester City talents.
For one, Foden was in awe of Neymar’s play during the first leg of the tie. As he detailed during a talk with Sky Sports, Foden had some difficulty in containing Neymar in several sequences over the opening matchup of the Champions League semifinal duel.
“I’d have to say Neymar in the first leg [of the Champions League semifinal] in the first half,” Foden said. “I was a bit star-struck at times. Just some of the little flicks he was doing. I had to keep professional.
“He’s unbelievable what he does every game, he decides the game on his own sometimes. One of the best players in the world.
“It can get frustrating, it’s very hard to even get near him. I thought we coped really well in the second half onwards to deal with him, him and Mbappe obviously two special talents. It was massive, important to get the job done.”
Foden also came away from the match with a valuable item that he will cherish for a long time.
“I asked Neymar for this shirt and he very kindly gave it to me,” Foden said. “I’m going to get it framed. I’m sure he’s got many better players than mine, I don’t think he needs to.”
The rising English star will be aiming to help lead Manchester City to Champions League triumph in the upcoming final encounter with Chelsea.
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