Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar advised to change his attitude by Barcelona legend: “He is a great player”
Speaking at a public appearance today, former Barcelona captain and footballing legend Carles Puyol has advised Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. to work on his attitude.
Vinicius Jr. has been in the limelight in Spain as he is constantly targeted by opposition fans in away stadiums, with the Brazilian winger subjected to racist abuse quite regularly.
Building up to the first El Clasico of the season last month, a Barcelona spokesperson had lashed out at the Real Madrid forward, following which the 23-year-old went on to receive racist insults during the game against the Catalans.
Vinicius a difference-maker, but needs attitude change
Speaking about the matter, Puyol claimed that Vinicius is a great player and deserves to be admired at every stadium he plays, and if the Brazilian were to change his attitude, he would receive more love and recognition.
As quoted by SPORT, the former Barcelona captain said: “I would love to talk to him as a fellow footballer and tell him what I think and what I feel.
“He is a great player who makes a difference and should be admired in every field. If he would change his attitude he would get more recognition.”
A mixed start to the season
After his exploits over the past couple of seasons, Vinicius Jr. has not enjoyed the best start to the current campaign.
The Brazilian has scored three goals and set up three more in 11 games but has not performed at the level expected of him, especially considering that he is Real Madrid’s main attacker following Karim Benzema’s exit.
The 23-year-old, who signed a new contract until 2027 recently, was unable to inspire Real Madrid to a victory against Rayo Vallecano last night, with his antics on the field catching more attention than his performance.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
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Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
