- 19 hours ago
Mbappe better without Neymar? Nonsense, says PSG captain Marquinhos
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
- 3 min read
Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has branded claims that Kylian Mbappe is a better player when Neymar is not on the field as “nonsense”.
Mbappe caught the eye during PSG’s 4-1 demolition of Barcelona in the Champions League at Camp Nou by grabbing a hat-trick. Critics were quick to point out that the World Cup winner excelled without the Brazilian at his side.
READ MORE: Pochettino sends Mbappe strong message over PSG contract
The future of both is up in the air presently. While Neymar is expected to sign a new deal, Mbappe is the subject of interest from Real Madrid.
As such, he may have the opportunity to play without Neymar on a permanent basis, yet Marquinhos says that will not necessarily be to his benefit.
“We can’t go into these stories,” he told RTL when he was asked if Mbappe is better when Neymar is not present.
“We have to stop with nonsense like that. PSG always want to have the best players with us.
“If you ask Kylian, I think he also prefers when he has Neymar next to him.
“Mbappe was present and did the right things, but the other players were also important against Barcelona. When the team is good, that’s when individuals stand out more.”
Mbappe with and without Neymar in Ligue 1
| WITH NEYMAR | WITHOUT NEYMAR | |
|---|---|---|
| Played | 10 | 13 |
| Goals | 8 | 10 |
| Assists | 4 | 2 |
| xG per 90 | 0.62 | 0.78 |
| xA per 90 | 0.38 | 0.34 |
| Successful dribbles | 44% | 53% |
| Successful passes | 76% | 82% |
| Actions | 59 | 72 |
Marquinhos on his PSG future
The PSG captain, meanwhile, says that he has no plans to depart the club, to which he is tied until 2024. Indeed, he sees himself in the French capital for longer.
“Yes, it’s possible. I want to do that,” he said when pressed if he wanted to extend his deal. “You know football, it depends on a lot of things. One day, you can be very important for the team, the next it can change.
“I’ll be 30 when my deal is up. If I stay an important player, it will come down to the club, to my desire, to the ambition here, if I’m feeling well or not. There are many factors.”
PSG and Marquinhos will be in Coupe de France action against Brest on Saturday, with Mbappe set to return after a ban, but Neymar remains laid up injured.
