João Pedro Gonçalves Neves, born in Tavira (Portugal) on 27 September 2004, is one of the most exciting young midfielders on the European scene.

Considered as one of the gems of the SL Benfica youth academy, João signed his first professional contract with the club in 2020, at the age of just 17.

Last season meant the player's consolidation in the first team, being a regular in the team's call-ups and playing more than 1.500 minutes. In the 2023/24 season the portuguese midfielder has definitely established himself as one of the most important players in the team, playing 55 games and more than 4.000 minutes.

His high rated performances caused his move to Paris Saint Germain in the summer trasnfer window, where he is already playing an important role at the start of this season.

At international level, he has represented Portugal at both youth and senior level. With the latter, he made his debut on 16 October 2023 in a EURO 2024 qualifier, getting the qualify for the European championship and being part of the squad until their elimination in the quarter-finals.

Returning to his football abilities, Joao Neves is a tremendously complete and mature player for his young age. On a technical level, he is one of the most outstanding players in his league: his wide range of passing, creativity and ability to keep the ball make him a very important asset for any game model.

Tactically speaking, he is also a very smart player. He knows how to locate himself on the pitch very well to give the team an effective progression with the ball, he has a great reading of the game and he is also determined and organised defensively.

On a physical level, he is a player with very strong legs, very skilful in using his body to protect the ball and also a winner in body duels both offensively and defensively.

Finally, on a mental level he is a real leader on the pitch, something extraordinary in such a young player. He is committed, professional, disciplined... all characteristics that foresee a very high level footballer in the future.

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