Neymar is back among the goals in our PSG player ratings after Ligue 1 kick-off versus Caen

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  • Paris Saint-Germain kicked off their Ligue 1 title defence with a 3-0 victory against Caen on Sunday night.

    Brazil superstar Neymar needed only 10 minutes to strike upon his first competitive club start since February 26’s foot injury against Marseille, visiting goalkeeper Brice Samba’s poor clearance was to blame. French midfielder Adrien Rabiot converted Argentina winger Angel Di Maria’s low centre to make it 2-0, 10 minutes before the break.

    A piece of history came at the death when United States substitute Timothy Weah tackled the dawdling Samba and the ball went in. This earned club legend George’s son his first Ligue 1 goal.

    Here are our player ratings from new head coach Thomas Tuchel’s top-flight bow:

    PSG (4-3-3)

    Gianluigi Buffon – 6: For the first time since 2001, the Italy icon was not decked in the colours of Juventus. Experienced an effortless debut, being forced to face just one attempt on target.

    Colin Dagba – 6: The 19-year-old kept it simple against Caen, with a pass accuracy of 97 per cent pointing to his precision, in the absence of injured Brazil right-back Dani Alves and with Belgium marauder Thomas Meunier on the bench as he gets up to speed.

    Marquinhos – 6: Led the way with two aerial challenges won as he stood up to the physical threat of Caen striker Malik Tchokounte.

    Thiago Silva – 6: Brazil veteran wasn’t tested at all as PSG basked in 64-per-cent possession. Comfortable reintroduction to the French top flight.

    Stanley N’Soki – 7: A really busy performance in a left-back slot that remains up for grabs. Made a trio of tackles and clearances, two interceptions and one cross. Promising from the teenager.

    Antoine Bernede – 7: The 19-year-old was composure personified. Boasted the best pass accuracy of any outfield PSG starter (97.8 per cent) from 92 passes.

    Lassana Diarra – 5: The experienced part of the PSG midfield underwhelmed. Only made one tackle and his pass accuracy of 90.1 per cent was only the 10th best for his club. Talented teenagers are putting him under pressure.

    Adrien Rabiot – 7: A tumultuous summer that contained turning down a World Cup standby spot and repeat links to Barcelona ended with a tap-in. Should remain a key player at PSG, under Tuchel.

    Christopher Nkunku – 7: Was gifted an early assist to Neymar by Caen goalkeeper Brice Samba’s awful clearance. His four dribbles was the most of anyone from the hosts.

    Neymar – 7: The only member of PSG’s standout attacking trio to start. Effortlessly rolled in the first and then began a slow acclimation. Much more is to come – if Real Madrid don’t come knocking.

    Angel Di Maria – 7: Showed great drive to burst into the penalty area and tee up Rabiot. Was a steady performer with two shots, two key passes and two dribbles.

    SUBS

    Moussa Diaby – 6: Made little impression during more than 20 minutes on the pitch.

    Julian Draxler – 5: Needs to make more of the chances given to him by Tuchel, especially with a return to Schalke mooted.

    Timothy Weah – N/A: A combination of the goalkeeper and back post denied him at the start. Kept plugging away and reward for his efforts came with Samba’s second glaring mistake of the night.

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