Neymar offers PSG the perfect balance, says Galtier

Following Paris Saint-1-0 Germain’s victory against Lyon, Christophe Galtier praised the “irreproachable” Neymar, saying the Brazilian international provides the Ligue 1 leaders with “the perfect balance.”

At Groupama Stadium, Neymar made his 100th appearance in the French top division by assisting Lionel Messi’s goal in the fifth minute.

He has directly contributed to 15 of his team’s 26 goals this season (scoring eight and assisting four).

The ex-Barcelona forward increased his Ligue 1 goal participation total to 121 (77 goals, 44 assists), surpassing all other players in their first 100 games since Opta started tracking the league in 2006–07.

Galtier said of Neymar during his post-match press conference:

“It is he who gives [us] the best balance.

“He has this ability to repeat efforts, volume, and intensity. He is generous to the team.

“It gives a good balance. He can both replace himself and have dazzling and technical quality. He is a great animator. The great players have to come out in this type of match.

“Neymar worked a lot for the team and came off slightly rinsed and angry. This is normal. He has irreproachable behaviour. He is sharp and has a lot of ambition on the season – both with the club and personal statistics.”

Despite dominating possession for long stretches, PSG had to fend off a determined Lyon in the second half to take maximum points, and extend their winning streak to six matches across all competitions.

But while admitting his side could have been more clinical, having converted only one of their 15 shots on goal, Galtier insists his side was worthy of their victory.

He added:

“We knew we would face a tough game, but we had a very good game.

“We can still regret the number of missed or stopped chances by Anthony [Lopes], who had a very good game. The score could have been more comprehensive.

“As long as you are at 1-0, you are not immune to a reaction. Lyon pushed for that.

“But on the whole game, both on the possession of the ball and the clear situations.

“We deserved our victory in my opinion.”

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