Real Madrid: How Vinicius Junior can have a statement game vs PSG

It’s been a topic of conversation for a while now. Vinicius Junior has been lighting it up in Europe this season. He has already scored 12 goals and has seven assists in 23 games for the club, which is just astonishing for a player that was being ridiculed for missing really easy chances in most games throughout his career at Real Madrid.

Vinicius has formed an incredible partnership with Karim Benzema, and they are the deadliest duo in world football right now. There’s absolutely no other duo that comes close at the moment. They’ve scored a combined total of 30 goals and have 14 combined assists. Those are astonishing numbers for two players at this point of the season.

As I’ve explained before, Vinicius has also improved in a lot of other aspects. He’s taken giant steps forward with his decision making, playmaking, dribbling, and just about everything in the offense and it’s really, really good to see.

But, what I’ve noticed in these games is that he hasn’t had a statement game. That’s not to say he hasn’t played well against tough teams. Vinicius was great against Atletico, he had a decisive goal vs Sevilla, and he played really well against Barcelona too. But, I don’t think those were performances that pushed him towards the spotlight and got him the recognition of being one of the best players in the world, because he is. If you’re not a Madrid fan and you disagree with me, you’re just proving my point.

Vinicius Junior will play a huge role in Real Madrid’s Champions League clash vs PSG

Vinicius Jr is playing at an incredible level with a lot of consistency, and I think that when Real Madrid face off against PSG, we just might see his ‘statement game’. A game in which he transcends all expectations, and shows everyone that he is, at that moment, the best player on the pitch, or at least the best performer on the pitch and one of the best players in the world.

The Brazilian already is at that level, but doing that on the biggest stage against a really good opponent will open up a lot of eyes, and it would certainly give Kylian Mbappe something to smile about on his way back, considering he could play on the same team next season.

Now, if you’re thinking, “PSG have Neymar, Messi and Mbappe, and their defense is pretty good”, you’re right. They do have those players, and their defense is, on paper, pretty decent. But here’s what we’re not really focusing on: PSG’s front three doesn’t press, and their midfield, even though it’s good, doesn’t really compare with Real’s in any shape or form.

While their defense is usually solid if everyone’s fit – and it’s a big if when you look at Ramos’ fitness issues – it also tends to leave a lot of space behind, something that pacey wingers can exploit. If you can put two and two together, you’d understand how Vinicius can have a great game.

It’ll be tough, though. Containing their forwards would be very crucial and it would require a lot of work from Real Madrid’s defenders. But, I truly believe that if they’re able to do that, they can get the ball to Vinicius, who will be able to torment PSG’s defense for 90 minutes straight.

I think each player will have to be at his absolute best for Real to go through, especially because PSG have flaws of their own, they certainly aren’t unbeatable.

What actually happens is another story and we would have to wait till next year to find out, but from what I can see, Vinicius has everything he needs to show the world just how good he truly is, against a team that has superstars all over the place. All eyes on you, Vini.