Vinicius is still in the eye of the storm in Brazil. Although against Croatia he had a good game with a great assist in the 3-1 victory, the truth is that there are many who question his leadership in the national team these days. In addition, those same critical voices do not understand why Ancelotti does not call up Neymar, a decision that they say harms Vini, because he does not give the same level in the national team as the current Santos player.
That comparison with Neymar is very damaging to Vinicius. The Real Madrid player is accused of not performing as well for the national team as he does for his club
Bitbol reproduces the words of some former Brazilian footballers who try to explain what is going on with Vinicius. Luis Fabiano, former Brazilian international and former Sevilla player, is clear: “As for Vini, I think the problem is more the player himself. Because he already had his chance with Dorival, and also with Diniz. Vini had many opportunities with Tite, right? And so far, nothing. He never came close to being what he is at Real Madrid.”
He is not the only one who is critical of Vinicius’ performance. Fabio Luciano, another former Brazilian player, is much tougher on the current Real Madrid player: “Vini’s issue is first of all a tactical one. I think the current national team, as a team, does not manage to get him into situations like the ones he has at Real Madrid, in one-on-one duels. We don’t see that in Vini with Brazil. When the ball gets to Vini, there are a lot of people marking him. That’s the tactical issue.”
The former Brazilian player also believes there is a mental issue with Vini’s underperformance and relates it to Neymar’s absence: “There is a problem with Vini, because unfortunately, when Neymar is not there, he thinks he has to be Neymar. I think it’s too much responsibility for him. He has to take that weight off his shoulders, the national team has to take that weight off his shoulders. You are not Neymar. You’re not going to solve everything by yourself. We are all going to help you. Do what you do best, stand up for yourself. We are going to work to try to take the game in a way that you feel more comfortable. I was very angry when I saw Vini with the ’10’.”
Harsh criticism
But his attacks on Vinicius do not stop there. His words are devastating for the Real Madrid player: “Vini is not Neymar. Vini does not have to assume that responsibility of being the leader of the national team. It is unimaginable that Vini plays with the ’10’ in the national team. Because we will be comparing. If Neymar does not go, how can it be? This guy can not wear the ’10’. He is not a ’10’, he is a winger.”
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