Real Madrid News
Premier League legend stunned by Vinicius Jr not winning MOTM award: “Don’t know who voted”
Last season’s clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City was a high-scoring encounter, with seven goals being netted in the first leg alone. This year, however, the first leg saw both sides play far more conservatively.
Only two goals were scored at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night in the game that ended in a draw. Vinicius Jr was the only goalscorer for Real Madrid while for Pep Guardiola’s side, it was Kevin de Bruyne.
Both players were unsurprisingly the top contenders to win the man-of-the-match award. The accolade went to the Man City midfielder in the end, but many pundits across the globe felt the Brazilian was a more deserving candidate.
Premier League legend Thierry Henry was left stunned after being told that Vinicius was not named the best player of the night (h/t The Madrid Zone).
“I would give MOTM to Vinícius. De Bruyne got MOTM? Well obviously this is the difference between ex-players and I don’t know who voted. You’re telling me it’s not Vinícius that won that? Come on.”
The former Arsenal and Barcelona star then went on to name his top two candidates for the man-of-the-match award and why the Brazilian deserved the award more than anyone else.
“Vinícius played in his position, we know what he can do and he did it. But Camavinga never played left-back in his life. But I think Vinícius played better, so I would give him MOTM, but Camavinga was outstanding.”
In his 90-minute spell at Santiago Bernabeu last night, Vini Jr was Real Madrid’s most effective player in the final third. He completed five of his eleven attempted dribbles, made one key pass, and won a whopping nine duels in addition to his jaw-dropping strike to give Los Blancos the lead.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
