Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus was full of praise for Neymar despite his penalty miss after their victory over Al-Shabab on Friday evening.
Jesus’ side retained their spot at the top of the Saudi Pro League table following a convincing 2-0 victory over rivals Al-Shabab.
Neymar was back in the starting lineup and the Brazilian produced an improved performance after being heavily criticised since his arrival at the club.
The 31-year-old was heavily involved in Al-Hilal’s attack and nearly found the net in the first half before making a sensational run to set up Aleksandar Mitrovic for their second goal late in the game.
The opening 45 minutes also saw Neymar miss a penalty as the winger failed to convert from the spot past Al-Shabab’s Kim Seung-gyu.
Speaking after the game, head coach Jesus expressed his delight with the win and heaped praise on Neymar’s display.
“It was a tough game today against a team that has exceptional players,” Jesus said in the press conference after the game.
“We had a difficult run of games and very little time to rest between them. There was an extra day for us to prepare for this game and I think it helped us a lot.
“I think it was also our best defensive performance in a while and we definitely could have scored more goals.
“Neymar is improving every game and he is also getting better in terms of fitness and it’s only a matter of time until he is back to his best,” he added.
Al-Hilal will be hoping to secure their first win of the AFC Champions League this season when they take on Iranian outfit Nassaji Mazandaran on Tuesday, October 3rd.