Joao Neves, Luis Enrique's Gavi at PSG, passes his test: "We never doubted him"

He didn't score or assist in PSG's historic 5-0 win over Inter in the Champions League final. His name, however, was on everyone's lips: "how he runs", "he appears everywhere", "it's incredible how many balls he steals"..

A collection of praise was directed at Joao Pedro Goncalves Neves (Tavira, 2004). "We did a very good job last summer with signings like Joao," said Luis Enrique, who has found in the former Benfica player, who arrived for 59.92 million euros, his own version of Gavi.

His scant 1.74 meters and his 'not having broken a plate' face is deceiving. He 'bites' like a 'pitbull'. The 20-year-old Portuguese international finished his Champions League campaign as the player who committed the most fouls (24) and the one who completed the most tackles successfully: 38 out of 57. He is also the fourth most blocked shots (22)

His versatility has made him indispensable at PSG: he is the fourth player with the most minutes (4,011')."In the five or 10 seconds after losing the ball, you have to give 100 or 120% because it's the best way to get back on the attack. Luis Enrique gives me a lot of information, he has made me a better footballer. Now I can play centre-back, winger, full-back, midfielder, striker and you can't tell the difference," Neves told The Athletic.

In the 5 or 10 seconds after losing the ball, you have to give 100 or 120% because it is the best way to attack againJoao Neves

"He still eats up the miles and displays a vast volume of play, but he is aware that he still needs to improve in different areas of the game, especially in his offensive contribution with the ball or in creativity," says Le Parisien.

"I'm delighted to be at PSG"

It was a pending subject - he finished the 'natural' course with five goals and nine assists in 52 games - that he 'passed' by scoring the first two goals in the 4-0 victory over Inter Miami in the round of 16. "I'm very happy. It's the first time I've scored two goals in a game, but I keep the same mentality: the most important thing is the team. I'm delighted to be at PSG and to be part of this project," he said.

I'm very happy. It's the first time I've scored two goals in a gameJoao Neves

A brace that earned him the title of 'MVP' and the ovation of his teammates: he is very popular in the dressing room. "I'm happy for Joao, he deserves it. He played a very good game," said Ousmane Dembele.

The most effusive, once again, was Luis Enrique. "I'm delighted with his brace. We never doubted him. He has a very high intensity with and without the ball. He's an incredible player," said the PSG coach, who, however, still has 'homework' for him: "He can improve many things. One of them is to score goals, as he did against Inter Miami".