Back in the summer, Neymar's future appeared to be in doubt. Reports claimed Paris Saint-Germain were ready to part ways with the Brazilian maestro; but new coach Christophe Galtier made his position perfectly clear…
"Neymar is world class," he told the Ligue 1 Show on beIN SPORTS. "He's one of the best players in the world. Who wouldn't want a player like that in his team? That's all there is to say."
In the last three months, Neymar has been proving his coach right on a weekly basis. Revitalised after a restful summer, he has been in absolutely stunning form this season, registering 11 goals and nine assists from his 13 games so far.
"Every time you ask me about Ney, I give the same answer," Galtier continued. "Since 4 July, he's been omnipresent. He prepares every day in exemplary fashion, before, during and after training."
At the age of 30, Neymar cuts a mature figure. His relationship with Kylian Mbappé has been strained at times - most noticeably when the pair clashed over penalty-taking duties against Montpellier Hérault SC- but the Brazilian's focus and his level of performance have never wavered.
Enjoying his statistically best season since joining from Barcelona in 2017, Neymar inspired PSG again last Sunday, scoring his side's opener and then setting up the winner at FC Lorient. His manager was just as impressed with the forward's work ethic as his skill.
Watch: Highlights of PSG's 2-1 win at Lorient
"He put in a big shift, he closed down the spaces and worked really hard," Galtier said.
"I feel really good right now," Neymar says of his won game. "In recent years, I've been hampered by some serious injuries. I'm happy to be able to play football like this again, and I'm enjoying it."
Neymar could hardly have hoped to be in better form ahead of the FIFA World Cup, for which Brazil - whom he captains - are one of the favourites.
"I don't know what will happen after the World Cup," said Galtier. "Obviously he's very motivated. We'll see if he returns from the World Cup in a state of disappointment, or euphoria. But personally I don't see any reason why Ney shouldn't play well for us in the second half of the season!"
Before the World Cup, Neymar will be looking to build upon his incredible stats when PSG host AJ Auxerre on Sunday.
