Real Madrid News
Vinicius Jr’s entourage on him being targeted by opponents: “Never happens in UCL”
Real Madrid succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against Girona FC at Estadi Montilivi last night, after putting up a largely listless display.
One player who seemed to be up for the fight against the Catalan club was Vinicius Jr, who looked lively on the ball and had a hand in both of Real Madrid’s goals on the night, scoring and assisting one apiece.
While his performance was impressive, what made the headlines was once again the fact that the Real Madrid winger was constantly targeted and fouled by opposition players during the game.
Arnau Martinez lunged into a harsh challenge on the Brazilian which could very well have caused an injury while Santiago Bueno kicked the ball at the winger when he was down on the pitch.
For the majority of the game, the home team’s fans were chanting: “Vinícius, how bad you are, how bad you are” at the stadium.
This is not the first time such an incident is occurring, as the Real Madrid superstar has constantly been targeted with fouls, rash challenges, and insults by opponents in La Liga.
Speaking to El Confidencial, Vinicius’ entourage touched upon how these incidents only happen in the Spanish top flight but not in European fixtures, saying:
“These insults, kicks, and disrespect only happen in La Liga, especially in away games. Never in Europe, in the Champions League.”
It was not long ago that Vinicius was targeted by racist abuse by fans of Atletico Madrid, Real Valladolid, and RCD Mallorca, while he has had run-ins on the pitch against players from various clubs trying to rattle him by committing fouls.
In fact, the Brazilian international is the player who has been fouled the most number of times across the top-five European leagues this season.
Despite this, Vinicius continues to shine like a star for Real Madrid and is now the player with the most goal-involvements for the club this season. Carlo Ancelotti & co. will need him to keep firing if they are to win teh Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.
According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Gabriel Rajkovic, a 15-year-old winger whose rapid development at Valerenga has already attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading sides.
The Merengues are known for keeping an eye on exciting young talent across the globe and it seems that Rajkovic’s exploits in Norway, with the first team, have alerted them.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Rajkovic
As per the report, Real Madrid are among a host of clubs closely following the progress of the young forward.
Rajkovic holds both Norwegian and Serbian nationality and has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Norway.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also understood to be monitoring him.
However, at this point, it is Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be leading the charge for Rajkovic, having compiled a detailed dossier on the teenage prodigy after extensive scouting.
On top of that, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched Rajkovic in recent weeks.
Real Madrid could therefore face significant competition if they decide to step up their interest in a player who has already made an impression at senior level.
Making an impact at just 15
Rajkovic was handed a promotion to the Valerenga first-team squad in January earlier this year, when he was only 14 years old.
Following that, he signed a new contract with the club in March, when he turned 15, committing to the club until 2028.
Despite being only 15, the winger has already begun gaining experience in first-team football. In all, he has made 14 senior appearances for the Norwegian outfit, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Rajkovic has also represented Norway Under-16s, making two appearances and scoring once despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Those numbers become more impressive when his age and stage of development are taken into account.
Real Madrid have built a reputation for identifying young talent well before players reach their peak, and Rajkovic has now emerged as another name on their scouting radar.
But given the number of clubs in the race, signing the teenage wonderkid will not be easy.
