Joao Neves: PSG's Surprising Aerial Threat Despite His Short Stature at 21

Having already scored three headed goals since joining PSG, Joao Neves is making a name for himself in an unexpected area, particularly considering his height as a midfielder.

Joao Neves continues to turn heads. According to L’Équipe, the midfielder at PSG has emerged as one of the most dangerous aerial threats, despite standing at just 1.74 meters tall. At only 21 years old, he has broadened his skill set, recently netting a free kick and scoring a hat-trick for Portugal, including two spectacular overhead kicks. His influence is growing ahead of the match against Le Havre tomorrow at Parc des Princes (21:05).

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In Paris, Neves has quickly established himself as an aerial threat. Over the past eighteen months, only Morgan Gibbs-White has outperformed him among players under 1.75 meters, as noted by the French daily. His progress is attributed to his exceptional agility. As a child, he honed his coordination on the beaches of Tavira with his father, often playing foot-volley against adults. “He has significantly developed his ability to read trajectories,” his associates share with L’Équipe.

“The best headed player I’ve encountered”

His athletic qualities further set him apart. “He is very strong on his feet,” explains Luis Castro, a former trainer at Benfica. Diego Moreira from RC Strasbourg goes even further, stating, “He is the best headed player I’ve ever encountered.” His timing has become a benchmark. “He knows how to position his body in space; it’s astonishing,” observes former athlete Leslie Djhone.

When asked about Neves during a press conference today, Luis Enrique conveyed a different message, directed at the Parisian collective. “I am very happy to have this team, these players. However, I am also a bit concerned because there is a lot of noise surrounding the team and individual accolades. This is a team sport. We need the right mentality and to be ready to work as a team,” the Spaniard stated. He remains unwavering in his core principle.