Neymar's brilliance fills a void at PSG, but Champions League success remains a dream

In Paris, many consider the Eiffel Tower to be the biggest attraction for locals and visitors alike, but on Sunday night it was a Brazilian attacker that captured the eyes of not just Paris but also an international audience.

Neymar’s world-record transfer from Barcelona had dumbfounded fans and experts of the game. Like a well-told soap opera it swayed from off to on, until finally it was completed. A statement of intent from Paris Saint Germain, it not only put pressure on them, but also their star acquisition.

“He’s a player who will help the club to get a level higher’, Emery said. “Without Neymar PSG is a great club but with Neymar it’s a little better. A little greater. The other players here are also some great players so together we can get better. It’s true that the enthusiasm from the fans is even bigger.”

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Credit to the Brazilian, if he was nervous he wasn’t openly showing it. His Ligue 1 debut had brought about a goal and an assist against Guingamp, along with questions about the relative quality of the French league. His home debut on Sunday, another showpiece event, was once again a test for both him and the league. Their opponents Toulouse arrived with a disciplined back four that sat narrow and sought to frustrate the hosts. Their role as party-crashers was reaffirmed by Max Gradel’s goal — a first-half moment set alongside the Brazilian clipping the post and the crossbar.

Just as the frustration was starting to fester, then he arrived. Neymar started and finished the move that drew PSG level. Four minutes later he passed the ball inside for Adrien Rabiot to score from distance and things suddenly seemed OK again for the hosts. The second half dismissal of Marco Verratti was a spanner in the works, and had the potential to change the result before the Brazilian kicked things into high gear.

Neymar won the penalty for PSG’s third, but did not take it. After Toulouse netted their second of the evening, Neymar responded by playing a role (albeit small) in Javier Pastore’s strike to reestablish a two goal lead. Their fifth goal came as a result of an arrowed corner by, you guessed it, Neymar. There was even time for a rainbow flick over an opposing defender to the delight of the home support, and the embarrassment of Corentin Jean.

Yet, like any good performer, Neymar saved arguably his best for last. Stood on the edge of the Toulouse box, surrounded by defenders, he twisted and he turned, somehow wriggling through the wall of defenders to find a shooting opportunity. The stats told their own story; two games, three goals, three assists and over 20 successful dribbles. There was no doubting the influence the Brazilian was having.

“I am very happy with the Man of the Match trophy, for the second week in a row, but above all, I’m happy with the team performance,” Neymar said afterwards. “The fans are amazing, the atmosphere was fantastic and I am very happy with how I’ve been welcomed here. Tonight was a really great night.”

Unai Emery was equally as positive in the wake of the result, and has already stated his belief that Neymar is one of the best in the world. “We want to develop along with Neymar and to help him to become the best player in the world,” said the Basque tactician. “We will work towards that for him and he will work towards that for us. Together, we will become an even greater team.”

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However, based on their defensive performance Sunday that is an ambitious leap. Verratti’s dismissal for two bookable offences was impetuous and needless in equal measure. The PSG midfielder was already set to miss the game against Saint-Eitenne after his first yellow card, and so to pick up a second seems even more naive from a player that most definitely knows better.

Given Monaco have also started with 3 wins from 3 games played it sets-up an interesting title race in France. Of course, the signing of Neymar, (and possibly Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe if reports are to be believed) are part of a much grander plan. The Champions League is PSG’s brass ring. They have managed to reach the quarter finals in four of the last five seasons, with a late Sergi Roberto goal for Barcelona last season knocking them out 6-5 on aggregate in the Round of 16.

Neymar is seen as an attempt to bridge that gap between PSG and the elite. Critics of the move are easily found, and never short of an opinion. Since taking over the club in 2011 the Qatari Royal family has spent an estimated €1.5billion on the French club, restoring them to the top of Ligue 1. The club’s own motto has been, “Dream Bigger”.

That’s certainly what they did when Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived from Milan and brought with him goals, excitement, and plenty of soundbites. Neymar may not have the outlandish personality that the Swede was so willing to display, but his talent is arguably superior, meaning he has filled the role of talisman that was left behind.

However, much like when the Swede arrived there are few if any guarantees. PSG attempted to add some bright lights to the city before Neymar arrived. They courted Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, neither of who fancied relocating for the challenge of earning PSG a maiden Champions League title. The Brazilian did like the idea of it, and although both he and PSG are dreaming bigger, it remains difficult to see how they turn that dream into a reality, at least anytime soon.

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