Europe’s top leagues: 5 storylines to watch for this season
Neymar’s need for a successful season
The World Cup looms large on the coming European season. Clubs had little time to prepare as some of their biggest stars missed out on a large chunk of preseason training and games.
That means players like Neymar, who had a disappointing World Cup, will need to redeem themselves over the course of the coming months. Widely ridiculed for faking injuries and rolling around on the ground, Neymar went from star to laughingstock in a span of a few weeks while in Russia earlier this summer.
Like Messi, Neymar returns to where he has had the most success, the club level, as PSG look to stroll to another Ligue 1 title in France. Like Manchester City, PSG have spent lots of money not so they can win domestically, but to seriously contend for the Champions League.
Monaco, Marseille and Lyon all strengthened their squads this summer, though it’s hard to see past PSG for the title. Regardless, their primary focus is likely to be the Champions League. If they’re to succeed, Neymar will have to be at his very best.
Under the guidance of incoming manager Thomas Tuchel, PSG have a lineup that also includes strikers Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani. Unlike Neymar, both those players had very positive World Cups, especially Mbappe, who helped France to the title. Those two will need to replicate some of that form this season if PSG are to have any hope of contending for the only title they really wants.