Real Madrid and specifically Federico Valverde had a dream night in the Champions League, completing a 3-0 win against Manchester City, a match with shades of a new Clasico in the European competition.
However, despite the enormous advantage they took, they were not without criticism as Vinicius missed again from the penalty spot. A shot that would have meant 4-0 for Arbeloa’s side to practically settle the tie. As a result of this new failure, statistics have been published that call into question whether the Brazilian should continue to take the ball every time a penalty is awarded.
Vinicius Jr’s penalty success rate
The talent of Vinicius Junior is undeniable: speed, dribbling, good long-range shooting and the character to grow in important moments. But his long list of skills does not include his ability from the penalty spot.
According to data collected by the Spanish sports press, the Brazilian has missed four of the 14 penalties he has taken with the club. This leaves his success rate at 71.43%, the lowest among Real Madrid players who have taken at least 10 penalties in the 21st century.
Who is the best penalty taker at Real Madrid?
The best percentage of effectiveness from the penalty spot at the club is maintained by Sergio Ramos, who converted 22 of his 23 attempts for an effectiveness of 95.65%, a percentage even higher than that of CR7, although with considerably fewer penalty kicks taken, it should be noted.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the player who has scored the most penalty goals with the Merengue team, with an 87.78% success rate after 90 attempts, while third place belongs to Karim Benzema, who achieved 86.49% in 37 attempts. Compared to these numbers, Vinicius’ record is clearly below par.
Who is Real Madrid’s official penalty taker?
Currently, the official penalty taker is Kylian Mbappe and although his records do not reach the percentage of the legends mentioned above, they are better than those of Vinicius.
The French forward has also missed four penalties with the club, but his volume of attempts is higher. With 23 total attempts, his success rate remains at 82.61%
Leaving penalties aside, Vinicius‘ season is outstanding, there is no doubt about that. The attacker has contributed goals and assists both as a left winger and in more central attacking positions.
And although he has not yet reached the level that led him to come very close to winning his first Ballon d’Or, he already has 13 goals and 11 assists in 40 games in all competitions, numbers against which it seems impossible to deny that he is one of the most decisive players in the world.
Read the full article here
