João Neves: ‘It's a lot of fun playing this kind of football’. | OneFootball

After a remarkable start to the season and an incredible performance against Manchester City on Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain's Portuguese midfielder answered questions from the LFP. He looks back on his first few months in Paris and the qualities he brings to the team.

João, you're top of the assist rankings in Ligue 1. Did you expect to be so decisive since your arrival?

‘Not really. I came here with a collective objective rather than an individual one. I've been here long enough to understand that the way we play is designed for midfielders like me. We're asked to be mobile, to create space for others. So I often get into the penalty area and I'm lucky enough to have team-mates who know how to finish. I think that's something I'm improving with every training session.'

Is that kind of passing ability natural?

‘I don't know, I've probably developed that too. I think it's the fruit of the work developed since my academy days, and I continue to develop it at PSG, and I have to use it when I'm asked to make that last pass.’

Can you talk us through your assist to Marco Asensio against Montpellier?

‘It was an excellent match because it was my first few minutes at the Parc des Princes. And I didn't know that I'd made the assist in the first 20-30 seconds. It was only when I got back on the pitch that I realised it was me. I don't pay attention to whether I make the assist or not. I've made a few assists, yes, that's good, but that's not the most important thing.’

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Still on the subject of statistics, we've noticed that you're the Ligue 1 player who makes the most assists when under pressure. How do you ensure that opponents don't take the ball from you?

‘I don't think it's anything specific. I look at where my team-mates are and how I should position myself in relation to them so that the link is as simple as possible, and then play with one or two touches of the ball. It all depends on the match, the opponents and how I and my team-mates are positioned. I wasn't aware of these statistics. I think it's a development, and I'm very happy to be here because the football played by PSG is perfect for me, and it's the kind of football I enjoy playing the most.’

How would you sum up your first few months in Paris?

‘I've had a very positive experience. The way I've adapted, the way I've been looked after, I can only thank the people because I'm very happy here.’

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