Neymar Jr. and Lionel Messi are catching a lot of criticism from the French football media following Paris Saint-Germain’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League. The two players weren’t much of a factor in the second leg against Real Madrid.
RMC Sport pundit Daniel Riolo recently stated that the 30-year-old is doing damage from within the capital club. However, his Brazil national team teammate and Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Lucas Paqueta came to the defense amid the criticism.
“Neymar is above all a good guy and a great professional, with incredible talent. He is undoubtedly the best player in the Brazilian selection,” Paqueta said at his news conference with the Seleção.
“It is a privilege to have him with us. When I have Neymar by my side, I feel stronger, and my teammates too. As PSG was eliminated, it’s normal to see criticism in the press and among supporters, but he’s coming back from injury, observes Paqueta. He’s getting better and better and I’m sure he’ll play very well in the national team.”