This Friday evening, Paris Saint-Germain won 3-1 (video summary PSG/Rennes) against Rennes on Matchday 6 of Ligue 1 2024-2025 at the Parc des Princes. We focus on 20-year-old midfielder Joao Neves, who continues to shine for the Parisian club.
An important recruit
We wouldn’t have expected him to get this high so quickly (which means we can also expect a slump), but he’s proving at the start of this season that he’s got what it takes to play for PSG.
Already 6 games in, and here are a few statistics:
5 assists
8.75 progressive passes per game
2.08 progressive possessions per game
4.79 progressive passes received
He’s equally adept at making sharp passes and projecting himself with the ball. Even better, he asks for the ball in spaces, which makes him invaluable. He’s everywhere.
84.2 passes per game
91.3% success rate
4.38 actions resulting in a team shot per game
1.67 actions leading to a team goal per game
He has a real offensive influence: he scores goals, he plays, he suggests. The fact that he is decisive helps to highlight his formidable volume of play.
3.13 tackles per match
3.75 tackles + interceptions per game
94.4 balls touched per game
25 offensive zone touches per game
0.83 fouls per game
5.63 balls recovered per match
55.6% of aerial duels won
Despite his small size, he’s a complete player who never stops harassing. He touches the ball a lot and doesn’t just play on a close opponent. He’s not always looking for an easy pass.
PSG/Rennes – A great game from Neves
109 balls touched
5 tackles
12 balls recovered
5 actions leading to a team shot
1 action in which he was decisive (Barcola’s 1st goal)
6 progressive passes
99 passes, 91 successful, 91.9% success rate
2 dribbles, 100% success rate
0 fouls
This is a player to keep an eye on, as he has yet to be inducted as a regular starter. His match against Rennes was particularly outstanding in many respects. He gave Rennes a run for their money with his sheer volume of play.
What’s more, he hasn’t yet really been able to play with the best version of Vitinha at full throttle. The duo can do a lot of damage in this PSG. We can’t wait to see him in a major Champions League match to see if he can live up to his standards in the ultimate competition.
