How Neymar became the best penalty taker at Paris Saint-Germain and why the Ligue 1 club needs to choose now

It is time to decide. The tension in the media and on the pitch, notably around the second penalty during the 5-2 win over Montpellier, should force Christophe Galtier to make a decision between Kylian Mbappe and Neymar when it comes to who takes spot-kicks. To make his choice the PSG boss will have on one side, the desire not to erode the leadership of the boy from Bondy.

But on the other, the possibly of having one of, if not the best, in the world at this particular discipline. Because whereas Mbappe has not yet found the right method of how to take a penalty for him, Neymar has worked out his own perfect formula. He’s tried and tested it over the years, and tweaked it to the smallest detail throughout his long career at the highest level.

Ad To understand the evolution of the Brazilian in this area, you have to go back to a time where Neymar wasn’t quite Neymar yet. Ligue 1‘Shocking’ body language and wanting Neymar out – What’s going on with Mbappe and PSG?15/08/2022 AT 12:28 Back in February 2010, the 7th to be precise, “Ney” as he was known then, is only 18 yearw old. But the world is already talking about him as a prodigious talent at Santos with breathtaking dribbling and eccentric hairstyles.

On that particular evening he faced a player who, in Brazil at least, was a far bigger star than him. It was Rogerio Ceni, then 37-year-old goalkeeper who already had over 1,000 professional matches under his belt, faces in him an electric Sao Paulo – Santos match. In the 70th minute Santos get a penalty whilst down 3-2.