Lionel Messi Says Barcelona Have 'More Balance' After Neymar's Departure

Barcelona star Lionel Messi believes the Catalans have become a more balanced side following Neymar's summer departure for Paris Saint-Germain in a record transfer.

The Argentinian made the statement in an interview with Marca's J. I. Gallardo and Luis F. Rojo (via Marc Mayo): "Neymar's departure has caused the way we play to change. We lost a great deal of offensive potential, but it favoured us in a defensive sense. Currently we are most well-armed in the middle of the field. We have more balance, and that makes us stronger defensively."

Neymar left Catalonia in August after several successful seasons with the Blaugrana, choosing to step out of Messi's shadow. Both parties have benefited from the split―Neymar's production in the French capital has been excellent, while Barcelona sit at the top of La Liga, well ahead of struggling rivals Real Madrid.

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Messi and his team-mates have yet to lose a league fixture and have only conceded four goals ahead of Sunday's match against second-place Valencia. While the attack hasn't always been at its best, it has done more than enough to support the defence.

Ousmane Dembele, who was brought in to replace Neymar, has spent most of the season on the sidelines because of injury. The former Borussia Dortmund man is widely regarded as a star of the future and should give the side a major boost when he returns.

Neymar and PSG have enjoyed a similarly good start on the pitch in France, although there have been some issues. The Brazilian had a public clash with team-mate Edinson Cavani, per L'Equipe (h/t AS), and there has already been rampant speculation regarding his future, via the Press Association (h/t Sky Sports).