Real Madrid News
Vinicius Jr names Barcelona ace as ‘the best defender he has ever faced’
During his post-match interview after Real Madrid defeated Chelsea 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg last night, Vinicius Jr dropped some special praise on Ronald Araujo, naming the Barcelona defender as the best defender he has ever faced.
Vinicius Jr was once again the star of the show for Real Madrid against Chelsea last night, dropping yet another Man of the Match display, as he set up both his team’s goals on the night.
And during his chat post-match, the Brazilian international interestingly chose Araujo as his toughest opponent so far, saying (h/t SPORT): “The best defender I have ever faced is Araujo. He’s very strong and very good. That’s why he plays for Barça.”
Araujo and Vinicius have been involved in some entertaining duels in recent El Clasico encounters as Xavi Hernandez has resorted to using the former as a right-back to tackle the Brazilian’s threat.
Barça and Araujo have enjoyed success with the tactic, with Vinicius having not been at his best in some of the meetings against Barcelona. So, it does not come as a surprise that he has named the Uruguayan as the best defender he has faced.
During the chat, Vinicius also commented on Carlo Ancelotti and his links to the Brazilian national team and said he hoped to be coached by the Italian at both club and international levels.
“For me, Ancelotti is the best coach in the world. If he is going to coach me at Madrid or in Brazil? I hope it will be in both places,” he said.
Vinicius also showed his commitment to Real Madrid as he said: “Hopefully I can stay here forever,” amid talks of a new contract that will run until 2027.
Real Madrid have officially completed a move for Jude Bellingham for a total of €103 million in fixed transfer fee, plus €30 million in variables depending on the team and the Englishman’s performances over the course of the season.
This transfer makes Bellingham the second most expensive player in Real Madrid history after Eden Hazard, who signed for nearly €120 million in the summer of 2018.
The Spanish giants have been in talks with Dortmund and Bellingham over a long time, and convinced both parties by agreeing to their demands, including the fees, wages, and personal terms from the youngster.
One of Bellingham’s personal demands was related to his jersey number of choice, according to a report by Cadena SER.
He wanted to take one of #22 or #5 at Madrid. Unfortunately, though, both numbers are currently occupied by centre-backs in the team. Antonio Rudiger signed on a free agent last summer and took up #22, while Jesus Vallejo has been wearing the #5.
Neither of the two are starters for Carlo Ancelotti, with Eder Militao (#3), and David Alaba (#4) guarding the fort.
Bellingham is used to wearing #22 for Dortmund and the England national team, but he has also worn the #23, #10 #8 for the latter. Those numbers are also occupied, though, by Ferland Mendy, Luka Modric Toni Kroos, respectively.
That said, there will be multiple numbers free for Bellingham. Four players have already left the team, including Karim Benzema (#9), Eden Hazard (#7), Marco Asensio (#11), and Mariano Diaz (#24).
Reports have stated that Madrid are looking to give Bellingham the #7, as it has been a historic kit number for them. Cristiano Ronaldo wore it during his incredible tenure at Santiago Bernabeu, succeeding the legendary Raul.
While it has not seen worthy successors since, in Mariano and Hazard, it still remains one of the most valuable kits in Madrid history. Further, giving it to their blockbuster €100 million+ signing would definitely help jersey sales.
