by Ross Mackiewicz from @1970_PSG

Paris Saint-Germain’s surge to the summit of Ligue 1 can be explained by culmination of factors but no more so than the form of a modest Brazilian by the name of Nene.

The 30-year-old has been instrumental for his club this season, pivotal to the majority of events that transpire in their attacking third. Forming a telepathic understanding with Jeremy Menez on the opposite flank, it has evidently brought out the best in both. The interplay has been exquisite at times and wreaked havoc against opposition full-backs. Although Nene is not blessed with blistering pace, his ability to weave into pockets of space gives him the freedom to express himself and open up the play. His influence down the left has been massive with the likes of Javier Pastore and Kevin Gameiro profiting from his unselfish play.

Menez’s arrival has certainly benefitted his teammate but even the season before – whilst the Frenchman was playing his trade in Rome – Nene was monumental in PSG’s surge to the higher echelons of Ligue 1. Just missing out on a Champions League spot, he netted 14 goals and made nine assists. Already this season he has found the back of the net on 11 occasions, creating three goals in the process.

When he arrived in the summer of 2010 from AS Monaco for €5.5m, his career before hand consisted of spells in Spain with various clubs such as Celta Vigo and Real Mallorca, not really pulling up any trees. For his ability, he failed to settle down and find a team that suited his style before making the move to France in 2007, enduring three relatively successful years in Monte Carlo before the capital club made their move.

Now they are profiting from their astuteness to gain his signature. Former Coach Antoine Kombouare deserves a huge pat on the back for his persistence to sign the number 10. With the amounts of money Qatar Sports Investments are throwing at players nowadays, the fee paid for Nene looks an absolute snip. He is now one of the marquee names in the team and fundamental to how PSG play. It will be interesting to see who out of the creative trio is moved out of position once Javier Pastore returns from injury.

The midfield trio used to sit in front of two defensive midfielders but now under Ancelotti the Christmas tree formation seems to be the Italians preferred method. Out of Pastore, Menez and Nene, one will have to adjust to a new way of playing. Before his injury PSG hadn’t won without Pastore, now since he limped off against Sable-sir-Sarthe in the Coupe de France, PSG are unbeaten and Nene has four goals in three games. The importance of his presence cannot be underestimated.

Nene’s latest salvo transpired in a 3-1 win over Evian last Saturday where his brace ensured Carlo Ancelotti’s side came from a goal down and keep their three point lead at the top intact. His first was just an absolute peach with there being not enough superlatives to lavish it. He picked up the ball in the penalty area before sauntering his way in on goal, rounding goalkeeper Stephan Andersen with a neat little drag back and although he was fortuitous with the finish – Andersen getting his palms to it – the ball managed to cross the line. It showcased the confidence flowing through the veins of the Brazilian and gave his team a massive helping hand in finding the victory.

Based on form in the last two seasons, it is amazing to think he has yet to gain international recognition. With his native country overlooking him, he has paved the way open for a call up to Les Bleus as he is eligible for a French passport. What could be the Samba Boys loss may be Laurent Blanc’s gain.

There are not many players in Ligue 1, let alone Europe, enjoying the form of the stocky number 10 and if Paris Saint-Germain do indeed go on to win the title, they owe a massive thank-you to Nene and his infamous nasal strip.