Real Madrid News
La Liga president says Vinicius Jr can replace Lionel Messi in Spanish football
La Liga president Javier Tebas has spoken in support of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, saying that on several occasions, he has said the young Brazilian is going to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or in the future.
Tebas’ comments came after he found himself under fire following his remark on the recent racism row involving Vinicius Jr. The Madrid forward was racially abused by a section of Valencia fans following which three individuals were arrested by the Spanish police.
The 22-year-old publicly called out La Liga and Spain for being racist which prompted Tebas to issue a statement on his social media channels.
“Before criticizing and insulting LaLiga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly,” read the statement from the president. This aggravated the Brazilian FA who, too, was quick in coming up with a response.
Over the last couple of days, several measures have been taken and Valencia were eventually penalised for the incident as the Competition Committee demanded them to partially close the stadium for five games in addition to an economic fine.
Now, after having said that his comments corresponding to the events were misinterpreted, Tebas has said that the Madrid forward was insulted because he is a great player, adding that everyone wants him to continue playing in Spain.
“Vini Jr is being insulted because he’s a great player. We want him to continue in Spanish football and to understand what we are doing against racism,” the president was quoted by COPE.
He went on to add, “On several occasions, I have said that I think Vini is going to be a Ballon d’Or winner one day.”
The president went on to say that he believes the 22-year-old could replace Messi in the future. “They asked me who was the player who could replace Messi and I answered Vinicius.”
Real Madrid News
English legend backs Real Madrid star to become one of the all-time greats: ‘He’s got everything’
Jude Bellingham has spent the past fortnight as the most talked-about footballer in England, and the superlatives show no sign of slowing down.
A masterclass in the Nations League, a clutch of records and a second straight Player of the Year award has not gone unnoticed in English footballing media.
Now one of the English game’s most respected voices has added his name to the growing list of believers.
Lineker backs Bellingham
Asked whether Bellingham can go on to become one of the greatest players of all time, England legend Gary Lineker left no room for doubt.
“Yes, I’ve been saying it for a long time now. If he avoids serious injury or falls of the rails which he won’t I’m sure.
“He’s so good at football, he’s got everything. He’s a superstar and carries himself like a superstar,” he said (h/t Track Radio).
The verdict chimes comes in the midst of a wider chorus of acclaim in recent days. Roy Keane tipped him to become one of the greatest of all time after the Croatia rout, with Ian Wright and Micah Richards among others queuing up to praise him.
Backed by the numbers
The acclaim for Bellingham comes on the back of an extraordinary international break for Bellingham.
Against Croatia, Bellingham scored one and created three in the 7-0 win, becoming the first England player to record four goal involvements in a single game since David Platt in 1993.
He finished the window with one goal and four assists and was named UEFA’s Player of the Round.
That international excellence has carried over to the Bernabeu, where he has settled into a free number 10 role under Jose Mourinho and sits as the club’s joint-leading creator.
Bellingham was part of Real Madrid’s recent 1-0 win over Villarreal as well, and was unlucky not to register an assist when Vinicius Jr.’s goal was disallowed.
The Englishman will be looking to make an impact once again when Real Madrid take on AS Roma this Wednesday.
