PSG midfield trio raise the bar after Villarreal demolition

Paris Saint-Germain’s outstanding midfield trio of Vitinha, Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz have prompted debate about whether they could eventually rank alongside the greatest combinations in football history.

The three were central to an emphatic 6-0 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday, with their influence extending well beyond the goals they contributed. Joao Neves opened the scoring, while Fabian Ruiz struck twice, meaning the midfielders accounted for half of Paris Saint-Germain’s goals.

Their display also underlined the control they exert over matches. Rather than simply helping their side keep possession, the trio dictate the tempo, maintain the team’s collective superiority and make life easier for the players around them.

That performance led the French radio station RMC’s After Foot programme to consider where the midfield ranks among the finest in the history of the game. With Paris Saint-Germain regularly making extraordinary performances appear routine, the discussion focused heavily on the understanding and quality of the three players.

Jean-Louis Tourre, editor-in-chief of football at RMC Sport, believes the trio currently form the best midfield in the world. He added that they could establish a special place in football history if they maintain their level over an extended period.

“When we assess a Paris Saint-Germain match, we have to start with the midfield trio because they are the ones who make the entire game easier,” Tourre said.

“When you put exceptional players such as Desire Doue or Achraf Hakimi alongside them, they make everyone around them better. With these players available, you can field young players, rotate the team and rest regular starters in other positions because you have pillars who are among the best in the world in their positions.”

Tourre added: “There is nobody equal to them in the world, and I believe that even in the history of football there will not be many like them if they maintain this level of performance for a long time.”

The comparison inevitably recalled some of the most celebrated midfields of the modern era. RMC highlighted Barcelona’s dominant trio from the late 2000s and early 2010s: Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta.

Other examples included Real Madrid’s midfield in 2002, featuring Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Claude Makelele, as well as an AC Milan combination of Gennaro Gattuso, Rivaldo, Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf. Manchester United’s midfield during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, with Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs, was also mentioned.

Joao Neves himself rejected comparisons with football legends and instead explained the qualities behind Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance.

Asked whether opponents fear facing the French side, the Portugal international said: “I do not think so. We have shown that we want to play with the ball, run everywhere and defend in the best way possible.”

He added: “When you do not have much space or enough time to deal with the ball, playing becomes more difficult. We rely on a high press, and you know how constantly we move when we have the ball. These are things we try to execute.”