(Football news) Vinicius Jr has been at Real Madrid for over 3 years now. The Brazilian came in as someone who had the potential to become a world class player. Vinicius was touted to be the next Neymar and Real Madrid didn't think twice before spending €46 million on the 18-year-old.
Vinicius had periods of excellence in his first 3 seasons with Los Blancos. He got very limited opportunities under Julen Lopetegui but became a first team regular under Santiago Solari. In the two and a half seasons under Zinedine Zidane, the Brazilian was in and out of the team heavily dependent on Eden Hazard's fitness along with Zinedine Zidane's formation changes. His ability in one on ones, take-ons, dribbling and lightning quick pace made him a tough person to defend against and instantly attracted eyeballs.
Vincius' potential was never in question but his inconsistency, decision making and finishing invited a lot of criticism. The outrage was a bit unfair and too much at times considering the age of the player along with other factors. As an 18-year-old, Vinicius Jr. was thrown into deep waters and given the responsibility to start games and make things happen for arguably the best club in the world. Being the player who has to make a difference at Real Madrid is a tough task for any player let alone a teenager with no European experience. Vinicius scored 3 goals each in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 season.
This season it has been a different story altogether. The Brazilian is undoubtedly the most improved player in European football this season. When Carlo Ancelotti replaced Zinedine Zidane it was pretty clear that Real Madrid will be playing attacking football. The Italian in his first press conference emphasised on how attackers apart from Benzema need to score goals. Speaking about Vinicius, he said that the player needs to be clinical in the final third and should shoot within 2-3 touches instead of messing around and that is exactly what Vinicius Jr has done this season.
In the first 2 games of the season, Vinicius started on the bench. In the first La Liga game he scored Real Madrid's 4th goal in a 4-1 win against Levante. In the 2nd game he came on and equalised twice in a 3-3 draw against Levante. His performance along with the recurring injury of Eden Hazard has made him first choice. This season, Vinicius Jr has a mammoth 20 goals and 20 assists in all competitions. He has scored important goals against Valencia, Sevilla, Real Sociedad, Barcelona and Manchester City. He has provided assists against Chelsea, PSG, and Atletico Madrid.
Vinicius has also formed a deadly duo with Karim Benzema. The pair have 100 goals plus assists this season between them. They have won matches for Real Madrid week in week out. The two were in the middle of a controversy last season where Karim Benzema asked teammate Ferland Mendy not to pass the ball to Vinicius and went on to say that the Brazilian is playing against them. Things are completely opposite now as 'Vinzema' are absolutely flying and dismantling teams.
On Thursday Vinicius scored his first hat-trick against Levante after which it was reported that Real Madrid were negotiating a new contract with him. The first offer from Los Blancos was to increase the salary by €10 million until 2028. His release clause will also be increased from €350 million to €1 billion. The player has always stated that loves Real Madrid and money will never be a factor for him. At the age of 21, the winger has so much potential to improve. Real Madrid fans will be hoping that the improvement does happen and the player doesn't turn out to be a one season wonder. Kylian Mbappe's arrival could change things a little but great players always find a way to play with each other.
Also read: Benzema equals Raul to become the 2nd top goalscorer for Real Madrid
