Where do Vinicius Jr., Eder Militao rank among LaLiga’s most improved players?

1. Real Madrid LW Vinicius Jr.

Was there ever any doubt? Vinicius Jr. has been so good this season that he isn’t just the most-improved player in LaLiga, he just might be the league’s best player. Pichichi leader Karim Benzema with his 19 goals may still have that distinction, but the fact that Vinicius is in the conversation is testament enough to his improvement.

Easily the most exciting player in the league, Vinicius is a highlight-reel of skills and great goals. And everyone who watches him knows of his passion for Real Madrid and work rate on both ends of the pitch. He doesn’t just start attacks with his tireless dribbling. He defends, too.

The numbers speak for themselves. Vinicius has 13 goals and 6 assists. He has gone from a player whose finishing was laughed at to one of LaLiga’s highest goal-scorers. Only Benzema has more.

A 21-year-old superstar for Los Blancos, Vini is also averaging three dribbles per game and 2.4 fouls drawn per game. He is the one who makes things happen for Real Madrid, who would be hopelessly stagnant without him. Vini – not Carlo Ancelotti – is the biggest reason for Real’s improvements offensively. And don’t forget his 1.9 key passes per game, showing his improved final product goes beyond even just goals and assists.

Vinicius is a big-game player now, too. Valencia and Sevilla aside, Vini is showing up in the Champions League now as well. He has two goals and three assists in the competition, averaging a whopping three key passes and 2.6 dribbles completed per game. Surely, he will bounce back in the second leg vs. PSG.

LaLiga will soon boast Kylian Mbappe and, perhaps, Erling Haaland. But they already have a true superstar to join Karim at the top. Vinicius Jr. is indeed that level of player, even if there will be growing pains here and there. After all, we cannot forget he is still just 21!