Carlo Ancelotti has never concealed his admiration for Vinicius Jr. At his press conference on Friday 13 December, the Real Madrid coach once again expressed his appreciation for the Brazilian striker, just hours before the crucial match against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. The Transalpine coach did not mince his words, even describing Vinicius Jr as ‘the best player in the world’.
After a long absence due to injury, Vinicius Jr made a spectacular return to the pitch last Tuesday. His dazzling performance against Atalanta in the Champions League, featuring a decisive goal and an assist from elsewhere for Jude Bellingham, helped Real Madrid to a 3-2 away win. Speaking to the media on Friday, Carlo Ancelotti was quick to praise the Auriverde striker.
‘We talk a lot about Vinicius. He continues to be the best player in the world for us. He has a humility that is rare for a player at this level,’ said Ancelotti. That humility, according to the coach, is what really sets the Brazilian apart from the other players in his squad. Despite the pressure and the high expectations, Vinicius remains constant and above all exemplary on a daily basis. And that is something Carlo Ancelotti is keen to point out.
⚪️🇧🇷 Ancelotti: “For us, Vinicius Jr continues to be the best in the world”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 13, 2024
“He’s always there with enormous humility, which is not usual for a player of his level. But the level he is at does not surprise us”. pic.twitter.com/T3ah5GYNsO
In any case, Carlo Ancelotti’s recognition comes against a backdrop of debate surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Vinicius Jr, who saw the prestigious trophy slip from his grasp in favour of Rodri, remains for Ancelotti the player with the greatest impact on the pitch.
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The match against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday 14 December is crucial for Real Madrid in La Liga. After that, the club will fly to Qatar for the Intercontinental Cup final, where they will face the winner of Pachuca (Mexico) and Al Ahly (Egypt). The match will be played on Wednesday 18 December. Carlo Ancelotti also spoke about the situation of Kylian Mbappé, who is expected to accompany the team to Qatar despite an injury. Eduardo Camavinga, who has now recovered, will be available for the match against Rayo Vallecano.
‘Kylian Mbappé’s injury is not very serious. He will travel to Qatar and we will see if he can play. Camavinga is fine and will be available for tomorrow (…) I’m going to try and do my job and I think we’re doing well despite the difficulties. We’re going to fight and fight for everything, that’s what I know. Things are starting to improve, as you can see. Alaba and Camavinga are almost back. There are a lot of positive things,’ recalled Carlo Ancelotti.
🚨 Ancelotti: "Kylian Mbappé will NOT play tomorrow but he will travel for the Intercontinental Cup. We will see if he plays." pic.twitter.com/oSSC7pdAsF
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 13, 2024
With Vinicius Jr back and key players ready for action, Real Madrid seem to be finding their rhythm again. Ancelotti knows that this balance is essential for a successful season. This Saturday, against Rayo Vallecano, Los Merengues will have the opportunity to consolidate their position in La Liga before setting their sights on new international horizons.
‘It will be another demanding match, against an opponent that has always troubled us in recent years. They play well, it’s intense, it’s their home ground… But we’re confident of playing a good game. The team has recovered well, after another day off, and we’re going there with all the excitement in the world to get three points,’ he added.
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