Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior aims to join Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland become world elite

Vinicius Junior believes he is in the right place to become one of the elite players of his generation, like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

The Real Madrid The forward not only made his way into the club’s starting XI but made the most of it by having his best season since joining the Spanish giants from Flamengo in 2018.

The Brazilian player now believes he has a chance to participate Paris Saint-GermainMbappe’s and Borussia DortmundHaaland was one of the best players of his time.

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“Being at the level of Haaland or Mbappe is complicated because they are great players and always score a lot of goals, provide assists and play the best football and I want to be there too,” Vinicius told ESPN. “So to get to that level I still have to work very hard but to play with Madrid it’s always been like that.

“You have to be calm, you have to be patient, to do things well and properly. But if I continue like this and all is well with the team, then of course, I will be one of the best. “

In his first three seasons, Vinicius scored only 15 goals in 118 appearances for Los Blancos.

Vinicius, 21, has scored 12 goals and added five more in 22 appearances this season in all competitions for a Madrid side that is top of La Liga and top of Group D of the Champions League with five wins. in 6 games.

“I think it’s a little bit of everything,” Brazil international talk about his hot form. “Focused, working hard, a team is helping me by giving a lot of the ball to the players up front.

“So we have to continue in this way, to do great things this season and I want to continue to help this team so that I can always be at the top level, and be seen as a player.” of the best.”

While the competition for game time is fierce in Madrid, having top-class players as teammates is also a huge benefit.

Vinicius said: “Yes, to play with [Toni] Kroos, [Luka] Modric, Casemiro and Karim [Benzema], players who have won it all and want to keep winning. They give me experience and that helps me stay calm and do what I’m doing now with more composure, which is helping the team and winning things this season.

“The unity of this team, and [coach Carlo] Ancelotti and his staff have made it very clear to us that we have to work smart for the team to do well and I feel that with every step we take, we become more and more different. should be better. “

Vinicius admits controlling his emotions is a challenge as he is one of the most fouled players in LaLiga.

“It’s always a little complicated,” he said. “I always try to react in the best possible way but sometimes I don’t. But that’s normal, it’s my style of play and that’s how they try to take me out of the game.

“But I’m always focused on the teammates around me, and they’re always asking me to stay calm and keep doing what I’m doing.” Real Madrid will be hoping Vinicius can continue his strong form on Sunday when they take on the defending LaLiga champions Atlético Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium (watch live on ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET) ..

“Playing in a derby is always something special,” he said. “and it will be a big game for all the fans and for us as we are currently on a good unbeaten streak and we want to continue like that for many more games. Of course, it is It will be a very difficult game, but we are very focused to do well.”