It is not often that a player fresh from winning a second consecutive Champions League title is already looking ahead to his dream final in the next edition of the competition.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder João Neves has done exactly that, naming Barcelona as the opponent he would most like to face in a Champions League final in the future, possibly next at the Estadio Metropolitano.
In doing so and speaking post match of the Champions League victory, the Portuguese international reserved special praise for Barcelona's midfield, highlighting his admiration for Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi.
For Barcelona supporters, those comments will be viewed as a significant compliment to the club's footballing identity. Neves could have focused on the physical challenges posed by many of Europe's top sides, but instead chose to praise the technical quality, intelligence and movement of Barcelona's engine room.
"Personally, I enjoy facing midfielders who want to play football and make your day difficult with their quality. Players like Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong are always moving, pressing and creating solutions. "Neves speaking post match
By specifically naming Pedri, Gavi and De Jong, Neves acknowledged the qualities that have defined Barcelona for generations. Rather than sitting deep and reacting to opponents, the trio constantly seek possession, create passing angles and dictate the tempo of matches. It is a philosophy that has been woven into the club's DNA for decades and remains a cornerstone of Hansi Flick's project, and the target in achieving the Champions League title. Can Flick take a leaf out of Luis Enrique's approach and win that trophy
"Hopefully one day we meet Barcelona again in a big Champions League game.”"Neves
Neves' admission that he enjoys facing midfielders who "want to play football" speaks volumes about the respect Barcelona's midfield commands across Europe. The PSG star is widely regarded as one of the continent's brightest young talents, making his praise all the more meaningful. He has played a key part in winning back-to-back Champions League trophies at the age of 21 with many more chances to add to his European medal collection
His desire to meet Barcelona again on the biggest stage is also likely to excite supporters. With both clubs expected to challenge for European honours in the coming years, a Champions League showdown between Neves and Barcelona's midfield maestros could provide one of the competition's most captivating tactical battles.
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