PSG still waiting for MNM to shine as Neymar is labelled a ghost

Paris Saint-Germain's attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, otherwise known as MNM is yet to take off, which frustrating those in the French capital.

All three have shown flashes of brilliance already this season, with Messi most notably coming in his side's aid in a 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League, but the trio have not mixed so well when played together.

Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has already addressed the issue.

"It is something that will come naturally, as long as we continue to play games together," Messi said. "We are still getting to know each other little by little.

"I have known 'Ney' for a long time, as well as [Angel] Di Maria. But I have only played alongside Mbappe in a small number of games and training sessions. As more time goes by, we will become better as a squad."

PSG's 0-0 draw with Marseille on Sunday revealed just how much the trio have been struggling to play together.

Neymar, the most criticised

As of yet, Neymar is the third of the MNM trio that has received the most criticism and seems the most out of focus, and it showed in his side's Le Classique draw.

Mauricio Pochettino even decided to replace the Brazilian international in the 83rd minute for Georginio Wijnaldum.

Despite being labelled a ghost in the PSG side and having the worst numbers this season of the attacking trio - one goal and two assists so far - Pochettino defended the forward after his side's draw with Marseille.

"I'm happy with the game he played," Pochettino said. "He put in a great effort for the team."

However, despite his coach's reassuring words, Neymar failed to successfully make one dribble, and only registered one shot on goal.

Is Pochettino getting the best out of Messi

Instead of receiving direct criticism like that of Neymar, Messi's critics tend to be focused towards his coach, and whether Pochettino is getting the best out of the Argentine.

Many have pointed towards Messi having an unsuccessful start to his season in France, as he hasn't registered as many goals as he would have normally with Barcelona by now.

However, the No.30 did get the most touches on the ball (76), the most shots (4) and the most attempted shots (5) against Marseille.

French newspaper L'Equipe have underlined the problem as Messi moving inside from the flanks, but instead of getting options from his teammates, all he receives is space.

Mbappe's rollercoaster

The former Monaco star is having a season of ups and downs after asking to leave PSG in the summer fro a move to Real Madrid.

He started out in fantastic form with four goals and three assists. However, he has recently been without a goal in his last four Ligue 1 appearances. He remains, however, the member of MNM with the best stats - six goals and six assists.

Against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, Mbappe played well, opening up the scoring, as well as providing the assist to Messi's goal.

The No.7 however did miss a penalty in the closing minutes of the tie, after Messi had given him the ball, while on a hat trick. The Frenchman has acknowledged the hold Messi has in the team, having already praised the Argentine.

"I am happy to run when Messi is walking, no problem! It's Messi! When you play with great players, you have to make sacrifices," Mbappe said.

"You are not alone, we are a group and all we want is to win."

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