Real Madrid News
Chelsea icon heaps praise on Real Madrid superstar: “Can’t stop him once he starts”
In an exclusive interview with AS, Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has heaped praise on Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, claiming that he is one of the most dangerous forwards in the game currently.
Chelsea are set to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with the first leg set to take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. Two days removed from that match, Zola, who is an icon at Chelsea, was full of praise for Vinicius, saying:
“Vinicius is one of the most dangerous players on the planet. He gets away from the marker, he knows how to improvise…. Whether it’s with the ball at his feet or playing in space, you can’t stop him once he starts.
“He’s also improving his finishing, he’s becoming a very complete forward. You have to be very good to, in time, bench Hazard.”
During the interview, Zola also touched upon Carlo Ancelotti and the links to the Brazilian national team. The 63-year-old worked with the former Italy international back in Parma, and the latter believes that the Real Madrid manager can succeed anywhere.
“He’s a great coach, flexible, as a coach and as a person, and with so much experience. Who wouldn’t want to have him? Wherever he wants to be, he’ll do well,” Zola said.
This is the third season in a row that Chelsea and Real Madrid are coming face-to-face in the Champions League. The first time out, the Blues prevailed in the semi-finals, but the Merengues got the better of them last season in the quarter-finals, in a historic comeback.
Speaking of the last season’s tie, Zola said: “I was there (in London). Chelsea played well, they did the high pressing that had worked for them before, but Madrid played an exceptional game. Madrid’s great quality made the difference, Chelsea couldn’t do anything.”
When asked how this season’s tie will go, Zola refused to rule out Chelsea’s chances despite their recent struggles.
“The quality of Real Madrid is not disputed by anyone, neither before nor now, but Chelsea generate uncertainty for me. It’s a question mark. Their squad is so classy that they can have a huge game when no one expects it and put Madrid in trouble,” he said.
“I don’t think the fact that Real are the reigning champions and have perhaps a better squad is enough to say that they have a clear advantage and that they will go through.”
On Real Madrid’s season so far, Zola said: “I haven’t seen them so much in La Liga, where I suppose you would expect more. In the Champions League, I thought they were going to have more problems against Liverpool, and yet Madrid’s performance was extraordinary. You can see Madrid hurt, but never count them out.”
Zola was around the same age as Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric when he retired. But the Croatian international continues to carry on and perform at the highest stage with great consistency. Talking about Modric’s longevity, Zola added:
“It’s like Barolo (a renowned Italian wine), the older you get, the better. He manages time as he wants, he’s always going to be useful. His energy at 37 is enviable. He lives for football and has an extraordinary football brain.”
The former Chelsea ace was also full of praise for Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema, saying: “He’s always done well, but he’s never been given the recognition he deserves. Not with France and maybe not with Madrid because Cristiano was there. His last year was extraordinary and above all, I saw him grow in personality, in charisma.”
According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Gabriel Rajkovic, a 15-year-old winger whose rapid development at Valerenga has already attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading sides.
The Merengues are known for keeping an eye on exciting young talent across the globe and it seems that Rajkovic’s exploits in Norway, with the first team, have alerted them.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Rajkovic
As per the report, Real Madrid are among a host of clubs closely following the progress of the young forward.
Rajkovic holds both Norwegian and Serbian nationality and has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Norway.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also understood to be monitoring him.
However, at this point, it is Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be leading the charge for Rajkovic, having compiled a detailed dossier on the teenage prodigy after extensive scouting.
On top of that, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched Rajkovic in recent weeks.
Real Madrid could therefore face significant competition if they decide to step up their interest in a player who has already made an impression at senior level.
Making an impact at just 15
Rajkovic was handed a promotion to the Valerenga first-team squad in January earlier this year, when he was only 14 years old.
Following that, he signed a new contract with the club in March, when he turned 15, committing to the club until 2028.
Despite being only 15, the winger has already begun gaining experience in first-team football. In all, he has made 14 senior appearances for the Norwegian outfit, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Rajkovic has also represented Norway Under-16s, making two appearances and scoring once despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Those numbers become more impressive when his age and stage of development are taken into account.
Real Madrid have built a reputation for identifying young talent well before players reach their peak, and Rajkovic has now emerged as another name on their scouting radar.
But given the number of clubs in the race, signing the teenage wonderkid will not be easy.
