Jack Grealish vs Vinicius Junior: Who has been fouled the most?
Two of the most exciting wingers in the world are on show at the Santiago Bernabéu and they both receive close attention form opposition defences.
Two of the most exciting wide players in Europe go head to head in the Champions League semi-final tie between Real Madrid and Manchester City: Vinicius Junior and Jack Grealish.
Both players have become key figures in their teams this season and act as an essential out-ball for their sides. Madrid and City are used to having the majority of the ball in matches but often need the maverick talents of their widemen to unlock a deep defence.
But with so much importance to the way their teams play, both Vinicius Jr and Grealish have attracted close attention from opposition defenders. Sometimes, a little too close.
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So far this season Madrid’s Brazilian winger has been one of the stars of La Liga with 22 goals and 19 assists in 50 appearances. In return, he has been fouled an incredible 191 times this season.
Grealish has cemented his place in the City starting XI in the past few months and is finally showing the on-ball quality that made Manchester City part with £100 million for his services. Grealish has been fouled 110 times in 45 matches so far this season.
As Madrid and City battle it out for a place in the Champions League final in Istanbul, the performances of their flying wingers could be vital. Pep Guardiola fielded Kyle Walker at right back in the first leg and was asked pre-game if he hoped the Englishman’s pace would help to neutralise the threat of Vinicius Jr.
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“Definitely,” Guardiola replied. “But not just for that, he has to play as well, but of course in that level in the latter stages every team has a threat.”
“We have a threat as well, hopefully we can use him more than them.”