Lionel Messi, Neymar, and more: The most in-form South American XI in football

Modified Jan 19, 2020 21:28 GMT

Left-wing: Neymar Jr.

Neymar's spell with French champions Paris Saint-Germain has been a difficult period to judge so far. Despite his astronomically high return of 45 goals and 29 assists in 45 Ligue 1 appearances, the club's failure on the European front has been strongly criticised. That, in turn, leads to criticism of the enigmatic Brazilian who has been blamed for not stepping up for the club and often being at the heart of controversial sagas.

This season, though, Neymar appears to have found a different gear both on and off the pitch. Attempting at every opportunity to mend a frosty relationship with the fans, the former Barcelona winger has netted 11 goals in 12 league games and set up a further 5 goals. His sublime form is certain to give PSG hope in the Champions League, with a number of his fellow attackers such as Kylian Mbappe, Mauro Icardi, and more in fine form.

This list would be incomplete without the flamboyant Neymar Jr. who is one of the best footballers in the world, let alone in South America.

Right-wing: Angel Di Maria

Former Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria has had a fruitful spell with Paris Saint-Germain after a horrible season-long stay in Manchester. The Argentine has since reinvented himself at the French capital and is having quite the impressive season so far.

For context, Di Maria's most productive season in a PSG shirt saw a return of 10 goals and 18 assists in 29 league games for the Parisiens in 2015/16. This season, playing in a variety of positions on both flanks, he's scored 6 and set up 8 in just 17 games and could potentially go on to record his best ever season in the French top-flight.

He's been an important part of Thomas Tuchel's set-up this season and would be hoping to help hosts Argentina have a successful Copa America 2020.

Edited by Kingshuk Kusari