Lucas Vazquez has called his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior the “most decisive player in the world” after inspiring Los Blancos to a comeback 5-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, Afrosport reports.
Madrid fell 2-0 down in the first half but found their way back thanks to Antinio Rudiger, Vazquez and the Vinicius hat-trick.
It marked another remarkable night for the Brazilian superstar whom Vazquez sees as a role model for younger and upcoming talent.
“He’s shown yet again that he’s the most decisive player in the world, he had an unbelievable second half. It’s one to show the kids so they understand how football should be played, with that intensity and the hunger to go after the goals. I’m delighted for him,” he told the club website.
⚪🫂✨#UCL pic.twitter.com/etmWFQFs4e
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) October 23, 2024
Meanwhile, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti asserted that Vinicius will win the 2024 Ballon d’Or after his performance against Dortmund and praised him for how he has been helping to fight racism in Spain despite the pushbacks he gets in some quarters.
“It’s unusual to see a player have a second half quite like that. It’s strange to see now, or in the past. He brought energy, intensity, character… It was an extraordinary display,” the Italian tactician explained.
“He gets jeered when we go to other stadiums because he can make the difference. He’s respected in this country. He’s helping reduce the racism issue, he’s highly respected.
“He’ll win the Ballon d’Or, but not for what he did, rather what he did throughout last year, in helping us win the Champions League. These three goals will help him towards the next Ballon d’Or.”
Vinicius’ hat-trick took him to 15 goal involvements (eight goals, seven assists) in 11 competitive games this season.
