Ancelotti: How I turned Vinicius into a world-beater
FT Desk
- Updated: 29 May 2022 20:59 BST
- 2 min read
Carlo Ancelotti has explained how he transformed Vinicius Junior from an unfulfilled talent into one of the best players in the world.
Vinicius Jr joined Real Madrid as arguably the most exciting teenager in the world in 2018 from Flamengo.
He flattered to deceive in his first three seasons in Madrid as he scored only four, five and six goals respectively in all competitions.
However, the 21-year-old exploded this campaign, scoring 22 goals in all competitions and delivering a host of magnificent performances assisting Karim Benzema in attack.
And, of course, Vinicius Jr scored the winner in the Champions League final on Saturday, sweeping in from close range to settle the match 1-0.
So what changed under Ancelotti?
What did Ancelotti say?
“With Vinicius the only thing in which I have helped him is giving him the confidence that he needed,” Ancelotti told Mundo Deportivo.
“He didn’t play at the start after his holidays and later he played all the time.”
“Where he has improved is the effectiveness in front of goal, he hasn’t changed any of the rest.
“Another year with [Karim] Benzema has helped him. I’m happy because he has put the cherry on the cake. He has had a fantastic season and a great final.”
Vinicius Junior will now be aiming to take his Real Madrid form to the Brazil national team.
He has scored only one goal in 12 appearances for his country and he will be hoping to take off ahead of the World Cup in November.
He is also set for contract renewal talks with Real Madrid.
Read more about: La Liga, Real Madrid
