Former Arsenal and Barcelona star Thierry Henry has urged the football world to stand up and take notice of the recent exploits on the part of Vinícius Jr.
This, of course, comes fresh off the Brazilian’s latest scintillating display on the continent.
Real Madrid marked their return to action late on Wednesday evening, welcoming Bayern Munich to Spain’s capital for the 2nd leg of the Champions League semi-final tie between the clubs.
When all was said and done in proceedings, Los Blancos, as proves the case year after year, managed to get the job done, Joselu emerging from the bench to net a late match-winning brace.
And yet, whilst the veteran Spaniard proved himself difference-maker when it comes to the scoreline, it was that man Vinícius who truly stole the show.
The 23-year-old was in near-unstoppable form over the 90 minutes on Wednesday, terrorising Joshua Kimmich from his berth on the left wing, and taking the creative load on his back when it looked as though Real Madrid were out of ideas during the 2nd-half.
Vini has since been labelled the favourite for the next Ballon d’Or by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, as well as world football’s best by several high-profile players from across Europe.
And yet, one individual of the opinion that the Brazilian international is still not afforded sufficient credit for his talents is the aforementioned Thierry Henry.
Speaking as part of his punditry role for CBS Sports, ex-frontman Henry called for fans, fellow pundits and the media alike to speak of Real’s Madrid’s star man in the manner in which the likes of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé are discussed:
“People talk about Bellingham for good reason. And about Mbappé, also for good reason, but please, Vinícius Júnior. You have to give him credit. A lot. There was a time when no Real Madrid player wanted the ball (against Bayern) and he didn’t stop trying until they scored.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
