Brazilian icons strongly criticize Vinicius for the role he wants to take on with the national team, suggesting he wants to be the new Neymar when he should fulfill a different role.
Brazil is not going through its best moment. The ‘Canarinha’ is going through a difficult period in its recent matches. The level has dropped notably, and the results are not coming. Neither the arrival of Ancelotti nor the nature of friendly matches has managed to calm the fans’ discontent. In this context, the spotlight once again falls on the same man: Vinicius Junior.
Luis Fabiano, the former Brazilian Sevilla player, analyzed the situation his country is going through on ESPN Brasil. “I think the problem lies with Vini himself. He already had his chance with Dorival, Diniz, and Tite. So far, he hasn’t shown anything,” said the former striker, stating that his performance is not the same. “He doesn’t play the same way he plays for Real Madrid.”
Fabio Luciano, another legendary former Brazilian footballer, joined the debate and was somewhat more forceful. He stated that Vinicius’ problem is both tactical and mental, comparing him to Neymar. “I think Ancelotti cannot put him in situations like the ones he had at Real Madrid, when the ball reaches Junior, many players are marking him.”
Fabio focused his criticism on the pressure Vini imposes on himself with the No. 10 shirt. “When Neymar is not there, Vini thinks he has to take on his role. I think that’s too much responsibility for him. You are not Neymar. You’re not going to solve everything on your own. I was furious when I saw Vinicius wearing the No. 10 shirt,” he stated emphatically.
Luciano insisted that “It’s unthinkable for Vini to play with the No. 10 shirt for the national team. Because we would be comparing them, take that number away from him, Vini is ‘7’ or ‘11’ in my opinion.” He concluded his argument by giving advice. “Don’t play as No. 10. Don’t try to be the No. 10 for the national team in the World Cup, because you are not a No. 10. We see the No. 10 as a cerebral player. A genius. Vini is not a genius.”
It is a fact that Vinicius is weighed down by Neymar’s shadow. At Real Madrid, he is dangerous because he has structure, but with the national team, he gets lost trying to be the playmaker that he is not. He is not a creative “10”; he is a winger who finishes. As long as he does not shed that mental burden and return to the functional “7,” he will continue to be an ordinary player dressed in yellow.
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