Real Madrid News
Neymar backs Vinicius Jr amid criticism over celebrations: “Dribble, dance & be you”
Over the past few days, a lot has been made about Vinicius Jr and his style of play and his way of celebrating goals.
The 22-year-old was at the receiving end of some harsh fouls and challenges last weekend against RCD Mallorca, who seemingly felt provoked by the speedster’s dribbling and dancing celebrations when he scored.
It has sparked up a massive debate in Spanish footballing circles, with players, pundits and fans all weighing in on the matter. While some consider it to be provocative behaviour, there are some who believe that Vinicius is well within his right to celebrate as he deems fit, as long as he is not being disrespectful.
On Thursday, Atletico Madrid captain Koke issued a warning to Vinicius that his celebration might not be well-received at the Civitas Metropolitano when the two teams face off later this weekend.
Soon after, another Atletico player, Alvaro Morata, also had his say on the matter, insisting that there was nothing wrong with the Real Madrid superstar celebrating the way he wishes to as long as he does not cross a line.
Now, Vinicius’ Brazil teammate and PSG superstar has come to the backing of the 22-year-old with posts on his social media accounts.
The former Barcelona forward, who himself has attracted criticism in the past for similar reasons, first sent out a tweet that translated to: “Dance Vini Jr”.
Soon after, Neymar put up a story on Instagram with Vinicius’ picture and a caption that reads: “Dribble, dance & be you! Happy just the way you are. Go for it my boy, next goal we dance”.
Following in Neymar’s footsteps, a whole of host Brazilian players like Richarlison, Lucas Paqueta and even Barcelona star Raphinha have shown their support to Vinicius with posts on social media.
There are said to be growing concerns in the Real Madrid dressing room about opponents targeting Vinicius Jr and trying to get into his head. And it will be up to the Brazilian to ignore all the noise and keep doing what he has been doing over the past year.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho does not want Real Madrid new signing to be affected by price tag, will continue slow integration
Real Madrid had an explosive summer transfer window with as many as six new big signings coming through to strengthen the first-team squad, while Sergio Martinez was also roped in with an eye on the future.
Up until Friday, things were going well for Jose Mourinho & co., but the 1-0 loss to Real Betis has put the team under the scanner once again.
Questions are being asked, in particular, of the club’s most explosive signing, Yan Diomande.
Mourinho not changing plans with Diomande
However, according to journalist Alvaro Esteban, Mourinho will continue with the plan of integrating Diomande slowly into the team.
The Real Madrid boss does not want the 19-year-old winger to be negatively affected by his massive price tag this summer and the pressure generated because of it.
After all, Los Blancos shelled out an enormous €125 million plus €15 million in add-ons to sign Diomande from RB Leipzig.
Should all the variables be met, he will become the most expensive signing in Real Madrid history. And, naturally, such a price tag brings with it a great deal of pressure.
As such, Mourinho wants to make sure that the Ivory Coast international is not affected in any way by the talk around his price tag and will continue to ease him into the team without rushing things.
Only a handful of minutes for Diomande
So far, Real Madrid have played four La Liga games this season and Diomande has not started even one of them.
Instead, Mourinho has opted to field Arda Guler on the right wing in three matches while Brahim Diaz started in the remaining one.
As for Diomande, he has come on as a substitute in each of the four games, but has only racked up a total of 83 minutes, without scoring or assisting a goal so far.
But, his limited minutes and slow integration are seemingly a part of Mourinho’s plans who is intent on not overexposing the teenage winger and put him under undue pressure due to the expectations that come with his price tag.
Adolphus Lake
September 16, 2022 at 9:00 am
This is a simple mind game to get him distracted and lose his edge on what he does best. This is football and infact the world most entertaining sports and goal celebrations whatever they are just makes it beautiful.
Vino Jr. Do the double D, it’s worth it
Sojaboy
September 16, 2022 at 1:05 pm
Do the double D Vini Jr. Dribble and Dance. That’s called been yourself. They can’t be like you and it hurts them!
WC Dave
September 16, 2022 at 1:29 pm
I’m a neutral, not a Real Madrid fan, but it’s easy for anyone to see that a lot of the criticism of Vini Jr. stems from barely-hidden racist attitudes on the part of some players and others around the game. We’ve seen just this kind of controversy in American football in years past, with white owners and coaches attacking black players like Terrell Owens for creative celebrations. Fortunately, American football seems to have gotten past these backward ideas, and I hope the worldwide sport of football will do so as well.
Tesfaye
September 17, 2022 at 7:28 pm
Dribble them and score a goal
Then celebrate with your Dance!!!