Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend hails in-form superstar as the ‘best in the world’: “Always turns up”
Al the full-time whistle rang at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night, there was not a lot of debate about who was deserving of the man-of-the-match award.
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr had not scored either of the goals against Chelsea on the night, yet was the favourite to walk away with the accolade in an event that just goes to show his impact on the field.
The Brazilian was all over Chelsea’s right side on the night, giving Reece James hell in his own quarter. The 22-year-old’s officially only recorded the assist for Marco Asensio’s goal, but it is clear that he deserved the opening goal as much, if not more, than Karim Benzema.
He had two shots on target, four key passes, and found himself at the receiving end of two big chances. He also won a whopping eight duels on the night.
Earlier today, Real Madrid legend Guti did not hesitate to call Vinicius the best player in the world in his books, and even went on to give a detailed explanation as to why he believed so via SPORT.
“Vinicius is the best player in the world. Why? It’s because he’s the worst opponent a defender could face, he always turns up, and he always keeps trying. Other stars have off games and stop trying, but Vinicius never does. He’s always there.”
Guti is not the first to express such a high opinion of Vinicius Jr. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has also constantly spoken very highly of the Brazilian international in the past while some rival players like Juan Foyth and Ronald Araujo have also been effusive in praise of the 22-year-old.
In his post-match interview, the youngster highlighted one of the primary factors that helped him keep up his consistent form and fitness to be his training regimen.
“I train with Pintus and then at home with my personal trainer so I’m in the best possible shape for these games. At this stage of the season, other players tend to dip a bit and I always try and increase my levels.”
Real Madrid have officially announced the first departure of the 2022/23 season as Marco Asensio leaves the club on a free transfer. The Spaniard was part of the Madrid setup for eight years, and leaves with three Champions Leagues and La Ligas to his name.
With Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Eden Hazard in the team, Asensio was the only winger in the team who preferred to play on the right rather than on the left. His left-footedness was also crucial for this.
Madrid will now have to assess the market for replacements, even though they will be handed one themselves in the summer in the form of Brahim Diaz. The Spaniard finishes his loan spell at AC Milan in the summer, and will return to Madrid.
Madrid will have to make a final call on his future, but as of now, are ready to discuss a new long-term deal for and with Diaz, as per a report published by Fabrizio Romano. The extension will be valid until 2027.
Diaz, now 23, initially joined Real Madrid from Manchester City in 2019, completing a €18 million move in the search of game-time. Six appearances in six months later, though, he moved to AC Milan on loan, and has been there since.
However, getting him to stay at Madrid will be difficult, as the player evidently wants to continue at Milan for the foreseeable future. He even suggested his desire to continue in a recent interview.
“I’m happy here at Milan. I feel very good at this club, then I don’t know what is going to happen. I kissed the badge because that’s what I felt at that moment,” he said.
They want him to replace Asensio at the Santiago Bernabeu, but will not force him to stay if he wants to leave.
