Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar the most fouled player in Europe’s top seven leagues this season
Brazilian magic is a treat to the eye for all admirers of the game. However, in a game of football, it is quite understandable as to why the South American cheekiness and urge to provoke the opposition does not fare well.
Mundo Deportivo brings to the surface a list of players who have received the most fouls in Europe’s top seven leagues this season. Unsurprisingly, the first two places on the list go to Brazilians.
Neymar Jr is the second most fouled player in the world of football and has been at the receiving end of 59 such actions so far. There is, however, a sizeable gap between him and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr who sits atop the undesirable list.
The Spanish outlet report that the Merengues’ player has been the victim of a whopping 79 fouls this season in just 20 La Liga games.
Taken in another sense, the statistic is a compliment to Vinicius’ ability to make a difference on the field. Given how difficult it is to stop the youngster once he starts dribbling, defences are often forced to take the harsh approach.
Vinicius has been targeted repeatedly by opponents this season, while the winger has also been subjected to racist insults on several occasions by opposition fans. The Brazilian was at the receiving end of a dangerous tackle from Gabriel Paulista during the game against Valencia last week.
It was the same case against Mallorca as well on Sunday afternoon. Notably, he was once again the prey for ten fouls in Real Madrid’s most recent game against Mallorca.
Fouls are a part and parcel of football, but it is up to the officials to ensure that they are kept within the limit. This is where Real Madrid clashes with the referees, for they feel the officiating must be stricter than currently enforced.
In a positive update, Real Madrid defender David Alaba is set to return from his injury by making an appearance for the Austrian national team against Estonia later tonight, confirms Sergio Quirante.
Alaba has been out of action for over a month now, after picking up an injury during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Austrian international had been making progress in training at the club but was not ready in time for the Clasico against Barcelona on March 19.
Despite the injury, Alaba travelled to join the Austrian national team during the current international break.
And, according to the report from Sergio Quirante, the Real Madrid ace has good feelings after training with his national team. Having had several sessions under his belt now, the versatile defender is all set to make his return later tonight.
Austria will face off against Estonia in their second UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers Group F encounter later tonight and Alaba is in line to get some minutes against the minnows.
What remains to be seen is whether manager Ralf Rangnick opts to start the former Bayern Munich superstar on the night or introduces him as a substitute in the latter stages of the game.
Alaba’s imminent return will be good news for Real Madrid, who have a series of important matches coming up after the international break as they look to salvage their season.
Following the loss to Barcelona earlier this month, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now 12 points off the top of the table in La Liga and are pretty much out of the equation to retain the title. They are also training the Catalans 1-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-finals while Chelsea await in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Jules
February 7, 2023 at 12:10 pm
This only works because the Spanish referees are biased against non Spanish players and only give free kicks without cards against Spanish players who commit the foul against vini. A few yellow cards would stop unnecessary fouls against Vini