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Alex KirklandESPN FC
Carlo Ancelotti praises Vinicius Junior“unusual” late strike in Real Madrid‘NS 2-1 win back Seville on Sunday, admit Brazil star has what it takes “to be one of the best in the world.”
The winger’s 87th-minute winner – already his ninth goal in LaLiga this campaign – comes later Rafa Mir opened the scoring for the away team and Karim Benzema equalized in a tight first half at the Bernabeu.
The 21-year-old received the ball from the left sideline, controlled it with his chest, and drove in before unleashing an unstoppable right-footed shot past the keeper. Bono.
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“An extraordinary goal,” coach Ancelotti said in his post-match press conference when asked to choose a word to describe the finish, calling Vinicius “a player with something special in his foot. “
He added: “What amazes me about Vinicius is the quality he has in scoring. His personal qualities are not surprising, I know he is strong in dribbling, in one-on-one, with his pace, but he’s surprising everyone now with his ability to score.”
Real Madrid’s victory over their top four contenders leave them four clear points at the top of the table, while Sevilla dropped to fourth Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad.
“Vinicius showed today a quality that I don’t think he has ever shown before,” said Ancelotti. “It’s another step for him to become one of the best in the world… It’s important that he focuses on being productive. When the opportunity comes, you have to take it.”
With 9 goals in 14 league games, Vinicius has tripled his total goals compared to the last 2 La Liga seasons, becoming a fixture next to Benzema – who has 11 goals – on the line. labour.
“Vini knows the games will be harder for him now,” teammate Casemiro speak. “People have recognized that he is a top player.
“We know he will be marked by the man, sometimes by two or three players, but when he has the slightest chance he has to make the difference.”
Real Madrid will act next on Wednesday, host Athletic Bilbao in a rescheduled match from day nine, before going to third place Real Sociedad next weekend.
