Vinicius Jr. has earned the highest of praises from none other than former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. The Real Madrid winger was the standout player in the 2-0 victory against Chelsea yesterday.
Chelsea’s Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread after a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of the quarter-finals on Wednesday. For the first time in 30 years, the Blues failed to score in four consecutive games in the Spanish capital, as Frank Lampard’s team struggled once again in the final third.
Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio scored to give Los Blancos a crucial victory in their UEFA Champions League defense. Chelsea now have a daunting task to beat Madrid by at least two goals in the return leg to advance to the semi-finals.
On the night, the Brazilian was all over Chelsea’s right flank, causing Reece James hell in his own half. Officially, the 22-year-old just assisted Marco Asensio’s goal, but it is evident that he deserved the first goal as much, if not more, than Karim Benzema.
He had two shots on goal, four key passes, and two great chances to score. On the night, he also won a stunning eight duels. As a result, he earned the Man of the Match award for his efforts.
What did Thierry Henry say?
When Jamie Carragher questioned Thierry Henry if Vinicius is the best left-winger in the world during the CBS Sports post-match broadcast, the French icon replied positively.
He said, “Yes. At the moment, yes. You have guys that are doing okay at Arsenal in the Premier League. Martinelli is coming.”
He also provided an analysis of Vinicius Jr.’s abilities that make him so good.
Game recognise game!! According to Thierry Henry, Vini Jr is cooking 🧑🍳 😂https://t.co/QDTNO7bJ4B
— CrossAndNod (@crossandnodFT) April 12, 2023
“This is what I am saying with Vinícius Jr, he pushes the ball to pass Reece James. He knows that, at that moment, he is going to lose that race. Okay, ‘I am going to lose it, but then I push again’. This is what I am saying, he thinks about what he is doing. He makes you fall. He makes you stumble. Pushes the ball again. He stops you. Squares you, then pushes the ball again. That’s the difference. He is a thinker. When I see Vinicius Jr on the ball, I can feel it, he’s cooking.”
Vinicius has raised up the stakes for Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti, finishing eighth in the 2022 Ballon d’Or rankings with 22 goals and 20 assists in 52 games, including a winner in the Champions League final. He has continued to play admirably this season, amassing 21 goals and 16 assists.
Both Vinicius and Real Madrid will hope to continue this form in their next La Liga game against Cadiz on Sunday before facing Chelsea again in the second leg of the UCL clash on Wednesday.
