Joao Neves benched at City, a demotion raising questions at PSG

Joao Neves was not in the starting XI on Wednesday night at Manchester City, PSG’s first major European fixture of the season. Warren Zaïre-Emery was preferred for his place in Luis Enrique’s lineup, a choice that reflects a worrying recent trend for the Portuguese midfielder.

The signal is all the more notable given that Neves had played only 58 minutes in the previous match against Mans. Usually considered an undisputed starter — he featured in both XIs fielded in the two Champions League finals last season — the 20-year-old is going through a period of reduced playing time.

The situation is repeating itself in the national team. Under new coach Jorge Jesus, Joao Neves started just one of four matches during the Seleção’s first gathering, for a total of 64 minutes. Meagre playing time for a player of his status.

According to L’Équipe, Neves is among the players the PSG staff must “manage” upon return from international windows, even when he has played little. Recurring minor physical issues regularly force the coaching staff to adjust his workload.

Former Portuguese international midfielder Jaime Pacheco, who played for FC Porto, puts the situation in perspective: “He’s one of the most complete players out there, both technically and tactically — he’s even good in the air despite his small stature. The fact that he’s not playing is circumstantial.”

The argument holds, but competition is intensifying. Zaïre-Emery, described as PSG’s first “universal replacement” across all positions, is increasingly establishing himself as a first-choice option for the big nights. If this hierarchy were to solidify, Neves, recruited to make an impact in matches that matter, would need to quickly rediscover his best form to prevent the Frenchman from settling in permanently.