Even as Neymar has continued to turn around his form at Paris Saint-Germain as of late, former French midfielder Jean-Michel Larque remains unconvinced with the Brazilian international.
Larque took some time to speak to RMC Sport on Wednesday, where he evaluated Neymar’s showings at PSG this season and noted that the Brazilian forward is “no longer a football player.”
“What is indisputable is the numbers,” Larque said. “One game out of two in the Championship this year, and 11 goals, which will probably be one of his worst seasons in Paris Saint-Germain. And then there is what he came for, the Champions League. He played six games, scored zero goals.
“Maybe there are better things to do than spend your days, and especially your nights, playing poker when the season is not yet over. One has the impression that he has become a football profiteer, a mercenary. Neymar is no longer a football player.”
As Larque touched on, Neymar did not have his way in UEFA Champions League play this season. He did record a pair of assists over the Champions League round of 16 tie against Real Madrid, but he finished without a goal scored in six total appearances in the competition.
On the other hand, Neymar has put out for promising performances in Ligue 1 play as of late, which include nine total goal contributions in his last five such appearances.
For now, Neymar may go on to earn a start in PSG’s upcoming home league fixture against Troyes.
