Zinedine Zidane has once again showcased his admiration for young talents in football, particularly singling out Paris Saint-Germain‘s Vitinha and Joao Neves during a recent event. Speaking at the “Festival Dello Sport” organized by Gazzetta dello Sport, Zidane reflected on his time at Real Madrid, highlighting the Champions League final against Juventus as a pinnacle of football excellence. “The second half was truly spectacular. I’ve watched it four, five, six times and I always think: This is football. Perfection,” he remarked, underlining his legacy with the club.
Zidane’s praise extended beyond historical moments; he expressed deep admiration for emerging players like Lamine Yamal and specifically mentioned Vitinha and Neves as standout performers in today’s game. “They never lose the ball,” Zidane noted, emphasizing their impressive ball control and decision-making skills. This acknowledgment did not go unnoticed, as Vitinha responded positively in a press conference. “If he said that, I appreciate it,” the PSG midfielder said, recognizing Zidane as a role model in football, especially for someone in his position. “It’s important to hear that from someone like him, and I’m very happy about it. I just need to keep my level up and improve if possible.”
Zidane’s comments come at a time when both players are making significant strides in their careers. Vitinha has been instrumental for PSG this season, contributing with crucial assists and maintaining a high pass accuracy rate that showcases his ability to dictate play from midfield. Meanwhile, Joao Neves is quickly establishing himself as a promising talent with his performances in Ligue 1.
Admiration for Legends
Interestingly, when asked about which legendary players he would like to coach again—between Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo—Zidane kept his options open. “I loved them all,” he replied, showcasing his respect for the talents he has worked with throughout his illustrious career. This sentiment reflects not only Zidane’s appreciation for individual brilliance but also his understanding of the importance of teamwork and camaraderie within a squad.
The Future of French Football
As speculation mounts about Zidane potentially taking over as head coach of the French national team, his insights into current players are particularly relevant. His acknowledgment of young stars like Yamal and established talents such as Vitinha indicates a keen eye for future prospects that could shape France’s footballing landscape. Will Zidane’s influence help nurture these players into world-class talents? Only time will tell.
In an era where youth development is crucial for national teams, Zidane’s recognition of these players serves as both an endorsement and a challenge to them to continue evolving their games. With the upcoming international fixtures on the horizon, fans will be eager to see how these young talents respond to such high praise from a footballing icon.
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