A headline member of the attacking ranks at Premier League giants Arsenal has this weekend added his name to the list of those of the opinion that Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. is deserving of the next Ballon d’Or.
Chatter surrounding wide-man Vinícius’ candidacy for the ‘Golden Ball’ has of course begun to mount over the course of recent weeks.
As much comes with the Brazilian time and time again having come to the fore when Real Madrid needed him most, at times taking the attacking load completely on his own shoulders.
Such endeavours gave rise to a stellar haul of 24 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this past season, despite the fact that Vinícius spent a significant stretch of the campaign sidelined through injury.
Not only that, but his endeavours culminated in team success, too, Los Blancos marching to a domestic and European double.
Calls, in turn, have long been ramping up across not only Real Madrid’s fanbase, but beyond, too, for the 23-year-old to be crowned world football’s very best player.
And, as alluded to above, this weekend, another of the game’s most recognisable figures has added his name to the list of Vinícius’ backers.
During an exchange with the media whilst on international duty with Brazil, Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli had the following to say on his fellow countryman:
“I am very happy to see Vini shining. In my opinion he should win the Ballon d’Or. It’s a pleasure to share the field with him.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
