Vinicius: "Now I am another player"
In an interview with Real Madrid TV, Vinicius discussed his development over the past two years that has led to his impressive form so far this season.
Vinicius, along with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, have been the standout performers for Real Madrid so far this season. And while he still has several areas of his game to work on, the young Brazilian has been demonstrating more maturity in his decision-making, and more importantly has scored two decisive goals in Madrid’s last two games.
With Los Blancos at the top of the table and on the back of his own personal performances, the 20-year-old winger is naturally in a good place at the moment, as he has revealed in an interview with Real Madrid TV.
"I'm very good, very happy with my moment, and also with the team, which is the league leader,” said Vinicius.
“We have to continue like this, improving the things that we are not doing well. It is a different season as we only had one friendly and it is difficult to get your ground… when we return from the international break, we will be in a better place to put Madrid on top.”
Vinicius on Levante goal
His stunning goal in the 2-1 win against Levante has been much talked about since Sunday. The young Brazil striker gave his own take on his master strike:
"I controlled the ball very well, so I had time to think and see where I could put the ball. I put Madrid up 1-0 and then we managed to win the game, which is the most important thing.”
His goal execution was a fine example of his evolution since his arrival at Madrid in 2018: "I arrived at the age of 18 and having only played in Brazil, everything was new for me. I was learning and I continue to do so to help Madrid. Now I am another player. The people at Madrid help me so that I can help the club now and in the future.”
Vinicius on Benzema and Zidane
Vinicius identified one key figure in his development process, that of Karim Benzema: "Karim is an idol, it is an honour to play with him. We always talk about what I can improve, and also how he can help me.
“When I arrived he began helping me before he even knew me. And now he continues to help me. He tells me to be calm and helps me choose the best play.”
He then went on to express his gratitude to the rest of his teammates: "It is a dream to play with Karim and with all the players who are here. I take great advantage of all the moments with everyone and I listen a lot because they help. They know that I listen a lot and I learn with them.”
Regarding coach Zinedine Zidane, he added: "It is an honour to work with him, he speaks with us a lot, and he makes things very clear and gives minutes to all the players, which is the most important thing, to have the entire squad happy.”
Vinicius: "I work long hours, not only at the club, but at home"
The former Flamengo player also gave some insight into his own evolving style: "I am not afraid of losing the ball and I am going to continue like this, moving forward, so that everyone believes in me more and more. Being daring helps a lot when we are losing or drawing."
His development has also been down to his own individual effort, both in training and at home. "There is a lot of work behind it. I work long hours, not only at the club, but at home, regarding food, sleeping very well and resting to be in my best shape to help the team. I will continue to improve a lot in all aspects,” said Vinicius, who is currently the Madrid player who has run the most metres per game.
On the topic of the upcoming Clásico on 25 October, the Rio de Janeiro-born forward admitted that “it will be very strange without fans, but we will have to be more concentrated and attentive because it can define the championship, as it did last season.”