Spain’s AS newspaper published an analysis on June 26th, exploring the contrasting performances of Vinicius Jr. at club and international level.
The report highlights that the disparity in Vinicius Jr.’s performances between Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team has become a topic of much discussion since his international debut in 2019. At Real Madrid, he has earned global acclaim for his electrifying pace and dazzling skills, cementing his status as a world-class player. However, when he dons the yellow jersey of Brazil, his brilliance seems to be overshadowed.
Data reveals that in 31 international appearances, Vinicius Jr. has only scored three goals, his most recent goal coming from a penalty against Equatorial Guinea a year ago. Notably, he hasn’t scored in an official match for Brazil for over a year, his last goal in a competitive fixture coming in the 2022 World Cup against South Korea.
This stark contrast has sparked numerous debates and analyses. The significant gap between his club success and his relative quietness at the international level can be attributed, in part, to the intensified defensive focus opponents direct his way, as well as the lack of complete alignment between the national team’s tactical system and his role at Real Madrid. For instance, the tight marking he faced against Costa Rica limited his impact, reflecting the challenges he encounters on the international stage.
Furthermore, psychological factors and adaptability shouldn’t be overlooked. Despite being a source of inspiration in the dressing room, finding his rhythm and position on the field has proven to be a challenge. In response, Vinicius Jr. has displayed maturity by acknowledging his areas for improvement and expressing his determination to contribute more for his country.
Comparing Vinicius Jr.’s situation to Lionel Messi’s early struggles with Argentina offers a parallel – both players achieved remarkable feats at club level, yet faced different forms of challenges in the national team setup. While Messi also carried the weight of national expectations, his scoring record for Argentina has been more consistent. Vinicius Jr.’s case demonstrates that even exceptionally talented players require time to adjust and prove themselves in diverse environments and systems. Consistent progress and adaptation will be key.
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