Neymar fails to understand key aspect of Cavani situation

By Evan Siegel | Sep 20, 2017

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Edinson Cavani of PSG celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Celtic and Paris Saint Germain at Celtic Park on September 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Neymar’s arrival in Paris has looked great on the scoreboard, but he is beginning to cause unwanted drifts in the team that are only hurting his brand.

When Neymar signed with Paris Saint Germain on a $200 Million plus transfer, PSG thought they were acquiring the world’s next best player for years to come. While on the pitch itself he hasn’t disappointed, Neymar’s fragile ego and unwillingness to share the penalty spot have made fans wonder if the massive club is experiencing buyer’s remorse already.

Edinson Cavani on the other hand, is not quite the same ultra-mega star the way Neymar has become. After being purchased for over $60 million from Napoli, Cavani has been a consistent performer for PSG over his four seasons with the club.

As the two get used to each other, things haven’t gone to script. Neymar is reportedly demanding that Cavani be shown the door after the two argued over who should take a penalty during Sunday’s win over Caen.

According to Sport, Neymar has communicated to CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi that coexistence with Cavani is totally impossible. Such a claim from Neymar is an explosive one less than half a season into his tenure with PSG and should raise a red flag for the club as they try to adjust to his presence.

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Neymar has been sold on the idea that he is only one on the team worthy or capable of being at the penalty spot even in a random game against an inferior challenger. Neymar’s unwillingness to concede the penalty spot even once to his star teammate shows that he is in this more for the spotlight and glamour than for the betterment of PSG.

Is Neymar a better penalty kick taker than Cavani? Maybe. Is he a more efficient and consistent goal scorer? Sure. But under no circumstances does that mean that he must be the lone enforcer on the team. Cavani’s place with the team is an extremely valuable one, as the addition of Neymar is only effective in that he is combining his goal scoring abilities with another star.

PSG have to be concerned with this development. The team should not sell Cavani under any circumstance and should show Neymar that he is not above the team. PSG have a chance to be a Champions League force with their two star strikers.

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Until Neymar can get this through his head, the team must hold firm and show Neymar that his spot on the team does not mean he is above it all. His massive transfer fee and contract may suggest to Neymar that because of his brand he should look to usurp Cavani, but the reality of the situation is that PSG have a massive opportunity on their hands, and Neymar is trying to ruin it.