The 'MSN' show came to an end when Neymar decided to leave FC Barcelona after he felt he needed to get out of the shadow of Lionel Messi at the Catalan club. 220 Million Euros is what it took for Neymar to leave for PSG and to apparently get away from the Argentine's shadow. Well, Messi fed Neymar with a silver spoon at the Camp Nou with goals, assists and to be precise, 'Penalties'. After the bout with Edison Cavani regarding the penalty issue and the free kick drama, Neymar's vibes are coming off as a spoilt brat. With Dani Alves handing the ball to Neymar and not Cavani for the free kick, seems like Brazilian power dominates the play in Parc des Princes.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has been routing the Spanish clubs with his eye for goals. The Argentine was never doubted, but it has been ages since the world has witnessed the goal scoring machine back to his form of netting in goals. Messi has netted in 9 goals in the last six fixtures as Barcelona top the table and have a six-point cushion over defending champions and arch-rivals Real Madrid. With the FIFA Best Player 2017 nominees consisting of the usual of Ronaldo and Messi, Neymar is also the finalist for the prestigious award.
With Ousmane Dembele replacing Neymar at Barcelona and also wearing the Brazilian's old jersey No.11, the budding Frenchman has a long way to go to fill the void that was left empty by the former Barcelona player. Ernesto Valverde's main target is still the most sort after Liverpool were reluctant to let their star player Coutino leave Anfield. Despite three bids being rejected, the winter transfer window still is a chance of hope to bring in the Brazilian playmaker to Camp Nou.
But it has been another Brazilian who has made the headlines for Barcelona and it has been the player who was brought in from China, Paulinho. A late winner against Getafe and header against Eibar, the midfielder has shut all critics with his performance so far. For a price tag of 40 Million which was deemed as 'too much', the playmaker has settled well in the Catalan club by his knack for goals, assists and passing attributes.
Dembele has suffered an injury in the previous match against Eibar and will be out for 3 to 4 months. Gerard Defolue, who reunited with Barcelona this year, has also displayed a brilliant performance so far with his speed. With Defolue and Alaba covering the left flank, the speedsters are zooming pass players to create impressive counter-attacks.
With Neymar away at Paris, the Brazilian has been netting and assisting the way he wanted to. Along with country teammates such as Dani Alves, Lucas Moura, Marquinhos and Thiago Silva, the forward has a certain backing at the Parc des Princes. Neymar was currently dropped from the squad against Montpellier which resulted in a goalless draw after his bout with striker Cavani over a penalty kick. PSG mention that the winger was not included in the squad because of a knee injury.
With the new season onto a brilliant start, both Barcelona and PSG eye the Champions League this year. The question arises that who will be crowned kings of Europe this season? Barcelona? PSG? or for the third time Real Madrid?. It's all to play for this year.
PSG take on Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the group stages of the Champions League as FC Barcelona lock horns with Sporting CP this upcoming week.
