Marquinhos, the 30-year-old captain of Paris Saint-Germain, spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about PSG’s excellent squad. He also mentions two players who particularly impress him, 18 and 20-year-old midfielders Warren Zaïre-Emery and João Neves.
“The youngsters joining the first team today are much more mature than they used to be”.
“The youngsters joining the first team today are much more mature than before. They already have the right mentality. They prepare before each session and stay afterwards to finish their work, taking advantage of the technical resources at their disposal. This means that the training is very well run.
Marquinhos “if they play, they deserve their place in the team.”
Among those who impress me, of course, is Warren Zaire-Emery, who joined the first team at just 16, but already seemed an established player on the pitch.
The same goes for João Neves, who arrived this summer from Benfica and is already focused on his objectives at PSG, despite all the existing pressure. We have a very demanding coach, which means that, if they play, they deserve their place in the team.”
PSG has rejuvenated considerably in recent years and can count on a number of talented youngsters. They are also the future of the club, if they can make a lasting impact. They include the precocious Zaïre-Emery and Neves, the global nugget of the future. Mind you, the superlatives refer to the talent they suggest.
Making a great career has never been possible on the basis of promises. But Marquinhos knows soccer well, and if he quotes these two players, it’s because he’s already been able to measure what they represent. Still imperfect, they are nonetheless players who make a difference, very young players who also shine for their mentality and maturity.
