Vinicius can still improve says Real Madrid legend Kroos

Stuart Telford

• 25 Feb 2023 12:44 GMT
• 3 min read

Vinicius Junior led Real Madrid's comeback against Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday but teammate Toni Kroos insists there is room for improvement.

The European champions were 2-0 down at Anfield before Vinicius completed a brace in the way to a 5-2 win, taking his season haul to goals in all competitions.

Alongside his nine assists, the Brazilian has had a goal-involvement every 114 minutes he has played this term - a fine return for a left winger.

READ: Vini Jr: Real star sees HUGE transfer value rise to become world's best

Vinicius' is now valued at €121.3 million by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, although Real tend to sell when they chose rather than any potential suitor.

Toni Kroos thinks the player is in for the long haul at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Without a doubt," he said when asked by ESPN is Vinicius can remain a flagship player in Madrid's attack for many years to come.

READ: Madrid star Kroos breaks silence on Super League

'Vinicius can still do better'

"He hasn't reached his limit. There are things he can still do better but what he gives us is already a lot.

"When we were 2-0 down and were suffering [against Liverpool], his first goal meant a lot. He did it all himself, within a limited space, he was against two or three players and then he took that shot. That gave us life to the whole team.

"It was an individual play which means that he can do that and, depending on how he is, in the future, he is going to be among the best players in the world."

Kroos and Vincius have won two La Ligas and a Champions League together since the latter arrived from Flamengo in a €45m deal in July 2018.

Kroos' own future remains uncertain, however. The 33-year-old now has youthful competition from Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in his position, while Real continue to be linked with Jude Bellingham.