Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ace on Vinicius Jr being targeted by opponents: “Zero problems in Europe”
Vinicius Jr may be one of the most animated characters on the field, often pushing the referees into booking him for his complaints. Having seen a whopping ten bookings in just La Liga this season, he averages one card in every three games.
However, it is also true that the Brazilian is amongst the most fouled players in the domestic competition and very regularly faces racial abuse from fans in the stands away from home.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made an interesting statement, via Movistar Plus+, about the Brazilian’s situation and the respect the team received in general in different competitions.
“I think that in Europe it changes… I think that in Europe there is more respect for Vinícius, for other players and there is more respect perhaps for Madrid and that is noticeable,” Courtois said.
“At the end against Chelsea, there were zero problems, against Liverpool there were zero problems and in the end, they are also tough opponents…”
The Belgian shotstopper’s remark could hold more truth than it appears to considering the close connection between Spanish audiences and racism in history.
Across the season, Vinicius has been targeted by opposition players while supporters from other clubs in La Liga have directed racist chants and abuses at the 22-year-old Real Madrid superstar, especially when he is playing away from home.
If one dives into the Brazilian’s record in recent games, it is interesting to note that Vinicius saw just one yellow card in the last four UEFA Champions League games the club has played.
Considering that the Merengues faced English opposition in both the Round of 16 and quarterfinal, there is a certain correlation between the hostile environment in Spain and the Brazilian’s outbursts on the field.
Urgent steps are needed to curb the incidence of such barbaric practices in today’s sports targeted against a certain individual. After all, the world today is far beyond mere differences in complexion.
Real Madrid have a host of talent coming through their youth setup, with the likes of Sergio Arribas, Vinicius Tobias, and Nico Paz impressing the club through their performances with Real Madrid Castilla.
Paz, especially, has been touted as one of the biggest talents coming through the Madrid academy. He is considered ‘the’ talent from the youth setup, with a lot of expectations around him.
A midfielder by trade, Paz has seemingly impressed two of the biggest names in world football, according to MARCA.
One of them is Toni Kroos, who has watched Paz closely during training with the senior team. The German complimented him, as well, saying, “This boy should train with us every day because he is terrific.”
He has also seemingly created an impression on none other than Lionel Messi, while the two were training with Argentina together.
Carlo Ancelotti has also joined the praise parade for Paz, “He has projections to play in the first team. He is doing very well with Arbeloa and the times he was used by Raúl he has also done very well at Castilla.”
Paz has already been included in the squad list for two games so far this season, and will continue to train with Real Madrid’s senior squad. He is also expected to be a part of los blancos’ pre-season tour, after which he could get minutes next season.
Real Madrid have renewed the Argentine’s contract up until 2027, as they wanted to lock him down quickly for the long-term. There, is however, a chance he could leave Madrid on lock next season to get minutes with a senior division side.
