Di Maria finds a new lease of life under boss Tuchel

– Neymar may have grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick as Paris Saint-Germain thrashed Red Star Belgrade in their midweek Champions League match, but Angel di Maria (right) is proving vital to the French giants’ strong start to the season.

The 6-1 hammering of Red Star at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday was already the second time this term that all of Di Maria, Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe have scored in a game.

That only happened twice in the entirety of last season, when the Argentinian was often overlooked by former coach Unai Emery for the biggest matches.

The attacking trio has become a four-pronged front line under new boss Thomas Tuchel, with Di Maria starting both of PSG’s Champions League games so far.

The 30-year-old Di Maria has scored six times in 11 appearances so far this season.

With their Group C campaign in Europe back on track after an opening 3-2 defeat at Liverpool, PSG host Lyon as they return to domestic matters tomorrow.

The club’s priorities lie with the Champions League as they bid to reach the final for the first time, but after eight straight wins, a sixth Ligue 1 title in seven years looks a formality.

Lyon were expected to be their closest challengers this season, but are 10 points off the pace, while last year’s runners-up Monaco are languishing in the relegation play-off place.

Bruno Genesio’s Lyon claimed a stunning 2-1 win over PSG in January, but have lost on their last seven visits to the capital.

Monaco’s poor season took another turn for the worse in midweek as they slipped to a 3-0 Champions League loss at Borussia Dortmund.

Defeat by fellow strugglers Rennes at the Stade Louis II on Sunday could see them fall into the bottom two, with the prospect of a season spent trying to get out of trouble looming.

Lille host fourth-placed St-Etienne today looking to strengthen their grip on second, eight points behind PSG. –