Neymar Jr. may have struggled to live up to expectations at Paris Saint-Germain to some degree this season, but for youngster Xavi Simons, there is no bigger influence on him at the club.
Ankle and groin injuries have hindered Neymar this term, restricting PSG's record signing to just 15 of a possible 29 Ligue 1 Uber Eats games, during which time he has managed five goals and three assists.
Simons, 18, was in the Barcelona youth academy before the Brazilian's big-money move from Camp Nou to the Parc des Princes in 2017, and the youngster - five league appearances into his senior PSG career - is delighted to be rubbing shoulders with Neymar once again.
Watch: Simons was handed his first PSG start when they beat Rennes in Round 24
"I think he sees me a bit like a little brother," said Simons of the forward, 12 years his senior, to Dutch broadcaster NOS. "He saw me grow up when I was at Barca. I also did a commercial with him at the time. I creates a link.
"I see him a bit like a father. He's the one who often comes to ask me if I need something or if I need to know things. He's also a very good guy off the pitch. A really good person and that's important too."
Simons - who's biological father Regillio is a Dutch former striker - is currently on international duty with the Netherlands' under-19s. He and Neymar could line up together for the first time when PSG take on FC Lorient on 3 April.
