The Brazilian star of Real Madrid seems to show a newer side of himself, and fans, as well as teammates and manager, will benefit.
Just like Las Vegas, such as the Truman show. It happened with Vinicius Junior and made his debut as a captain against Real Sociedad. A series of absence shifted the hierarchy and the bracelet eventually landed on him. Luka Modric and Lucas Vázquez started on the couch, while Federico Valverde and Dani Carvajal were not available. And so, oh captain, my captain – Vinicius. Another player.
Because this night was his image of a football player almost completely free of controversy, a leader and especially a tireless worker. Especially like that. That 'dedication' that Carlo Ancelotti talks about so often was strengthened. The power of a bracelet.
“After so many years, wearing the bracelet of the captain was incredibly special. A proud moment for me and my whole family. Just when reaching the club of my dreams was a lot, but to continue to fulfill dreams … it's incredible. I hope I can keep doing it for a long time. I am leaving so happy tonight that I have been the captain of the largest club in the world. It is something inexplicable, something you never think could happen. I have no words, “he said in the mixed zone, radiantly from ear to ear. A perfect end to his night.
One Vinicius for everyone
A night in which he led the recovery that the counterattack was launching for the winning goal. At that time his performance summarized perfectly. He didn't score, he didn't help. But he put in the hard yards. And that is usually the opposite of what Vinicius defines, just as it is with so many superstars in the pantheon of football.
He drove more than ever in central positions and almost played in the role of Jude Bellingham. Against full -time he had played more passes in the last third part (13) than anyone and he had three balls, his best count of the season.
Yet he did not neglect his attacking instincts: he registered more shots than anyone else, tied up with Bellingham (4), and also shared the leadership for shots on Doel (2). Bracelet Op, Vinicius became the spokesperson for the team. He was concerned with referee José María Sánchez Martínez, debated with Mikel Oyarzabal – Captain of Captain – and took the lead in stopping the competition when hateful songs were directed in Asensio (“Die!”). He embodied what it means to wear the bracelet. There had been doubts about whether the status would fit him. But it didn't weigh him.
Vini chases 300
Now, on a different milestone. Vinicius plays his 300th game for Real Madrid against Real Betis. If Valverde does not stand up, he will match him. And he is already in more detail in club legends: Pepe (334), Casemiro (336), Vicente del Bosque (339), Martín Vázquez (343) and Iván Helguera (346), among others.
“Come to Real Madrid at such a young age and playing so many games was something I couldn't have dreamed of, it was unimaginable. Soon I will reach 300, but I want more. I want 400, 500. I hope I can write history in this club, “he said deep in the Reale Arena.
He insists that he stays. Ignoring the siren calls from Saudi Aarabia, as tempting as an opera. Vinicius wants to stay in Real Madrid. Point.
Word of a captain. And a workhorse.
Comments