Real Madrid secured their third win in the Champions League in mid-week over the Ukrainian Giants, Shakhtar Donetsk. The 2-1 win featured a Karim Benzema double and both of his goals were assisted by the electric Vinicius Junior. The team’s overall performance was questionable having been exposed defensively in awkward situations. But no matter how the team is playing, there’s one thing Madridistas can be sure of. And, that is Vinicius Junior’s hundred percent out on the pitch.
It has almost become customary for the young Brazilian to impress with his skillset. His clean footwork, dribbling skills, the beating of defenders, and sharp exchanges inside the box have all aided Real Madrid so far in the season. Who’d have thought that the player who was struggling so evidently with his finishing last season would be Real Madrid’s most dangerous asset at the very onset of the new season? Vini has really turned his image around.
There are a lot of reasons behind his electric form this season. My colleague Ranoveer Neogi underlines three. There also are several individuals that Madridistas should be grateful to. Firstly, the new boss Carlo Ancelotti named him his most important project and helped him regain his confidence in front of the goal. Secondly and most importantly, Florentino Perez, the club President kept his faith in the Brazilian and did not sell him in the last window. Perez rather saw Vini as one of the untouchables and the decision is paying off brilliantly. These two individuals above all, deserve credit.
Now coming to Vinicius, he is already a player blessed with a brilliant skillset. His dribbling and beating of defenders was already a feature of his game from the last couple of seasons. His problem has been with his consistency. He did perform, but, it was in stretches. Like the one stretch of games that had Real Madrid play against Liverpool twice in the Champions League and in between the two games was El Clasico, sandwiched. His stretch of form from that particular time last season stood out. This season the difference has been his consistency. He has become much more regular and the secret behind it may be inside himself!
Vinicius Junior puts the team first
Vinicius Junior has been in a changed state of mind. From the media picking on him to the media apple-eyeing him as the next big superstar of LaLiga is a quick and beneficial change for the youngster. He is much more motivated and that has helped him to concentrate more on his game than to face backlashes after one bad performance, as was the case last season.
Secondly, he very well understands what it means to be playing for Real Madrid. Players wait long years in their career for Real Madrid to spot them. To be called up by the footballing Royalty is to be officially inducted into the list of best active players in the World. And, an opportunity as such has fallen to Vinicius right in the formative years of his career.
He bleeds for the club. His passion for the club is an uncontested issue. Every time he scores, he kisses the club crest and shows it off with immense pride in his eyes. He is one for a longer stay at the Bernabeu. With such evident passion, it is normal that Vinicius is taking up bigger responsibilities in the squad. The game against Elche, for example, exhibits how Vinicius is taking charge as the main man forward in absence of Benzema. He knows that the world is taking note and he thrives to be one of the bests in world football.
Even when the two are playing together, Vini never shies away from taking his time on the ball and doing his thing. Beating defenders, dribbling on the byline, and cutting back at times or at times going all the way. The result is even if he doesn’t score, the squad appreciates his initiative. He is no more a player whose wastefulness will irritate the squad, rather they have shown more and more belief towards the Brazilian who has the qualities to produce something special. And, a change as such can only be aided by the player himself. He has won his teammates over and that is another filter to his mentality.
It is very evident that Vini is enjoying his football at the moment. Things are going in the right direction and his stats too, speak for themselves. He already has 9 goals, 5 assists, 1.3 G/A per 90 and 2.4 chances created per 90, and 4.2 dribbles completed per 90 per FBref (stats in all competitions).
Moreover, his quotes while talking to the press have been so mature especially the ones where he talks about his contract situation.
"“Contract situation? I’m very calm, I want to stay and I don’t care how long my next contract will be or how much they will pay me. All that matters to me is the satisfaction of being at the best club in the world.”- MARCA."
He has proven his passion for Real Madrid time and again and his clear mentality has certainly aided his game. He is more motivated than ever in his Real Madrid career and if he keeps going at this rate, there’s one unreal season in the loading for Real’s precious asset.