Real Madrid can count on Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes to meet the highest standard

Real Madrid is a club with a rich history, led by a group of core players who have been a part of the most successful team in the modern game. Yet what will make this team special over the next several years is the crop of young players who will eventually fill their shoes, and they are already playing key roles for the team. And in Tuesday’s vengeful victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes reminded Madridistas they are already up to the task.

Last season, Vinicius and Rodrygo showed signs of greatness, though they could not consistently make the highest impact. Whether it was Vini’s dream first leg against Liverpool or the connection between the two to seal a win earlier in the Champions League against Inter, both Brazilian wingers had their moments. The same went for the previous season, when Vini had the decisive goal in a title-foreshadowing Clasico, while Rodrygo had a perfect hat-trick in a dream Champions League night against Galatasaray.

But this season, something new is in the air for the young forward. Vinicius, in particular. After drawing the ire of Madridistas for some of the worst finishing fans have seen from a player associated with the club, Vini has put it all together in front of goal, to go with all the wonderful creative traits that have always been there.

Vinicius added two goals and an assist against Shakhtar, with all three goal contributions being brilliant. The first was a cool finish that has suddenly become a trademark for the man with five LaLiga goals. His second was even better and almost an homage to an eerily similar goal from another Real Madrid left winger seven years prior. Finally, the assist for Rodrygo Goes was also very well-done and is Vini’s third overall assist in the 2021-2022 campaign.

Real Madrid can go far in the Champions League

Though the spotlight rests on the left winger, Rodrygo is also sitting on two goals in the 2021-2022 Champions League. Clutch as ever, the former Santos man was the one who netted the winner at the San Siro in Real’s first Champions League fixture of the campaign.

Rodrygo was not quite as electric, though he can be forgiven due to playing a less comfortable position where he can’t cut inside on his favored foot. That said, Rodrygo was active in defense and attack, winning the ball near his own end line at one point. And, of course, the youngster came up big when he needed to, finishing without mistake.

Real Madrid have two young wingers who can get the job done in the Champions League. One of them is quickly becoming one of the best in the world at his position, while the other is a jack-of-all-trades kind of forward who can reliably do his part and even win Madrid a game when they need someone to be a calm hero.

It’s so important to have young players who can step into these roles in the Champions League. That’s what separates the champions from the rest. And it’s what Real was missing last season in the attack. As Rodrygo and Vini mature, they are adding layers to their games that are showing in these kinds of matches. Real played as a team and were thoroughly dominant against Shakhtar, and that consistent excellence exhibited by the young wingers is perhaps a sign that Los Blancos will deliver this standard as the Champions League continues.