Interviewed at the microphone of A.S.Karim Benzema, questioned about the character and personality of Vinicius Jr, did not hesitate to once again defend the young Brazilian, often criticized and subjected to disproportionate pressure. “He’s a great kid, with a huge heart, who’s hungry to learn… He’s phenomenal.” It’s his nature. We put a lot of pressure on him, really a lot. Some players shouldn’t be under this much pressure. He is still young, but he has already played a lot of matches for Real Madrid. We must not forget what he accomplished. We can’t say he’s playing badly now. It’s not fair. He plays very well, but he can do even better. It’s his personality.”insists the former Madrid captain, recalling the passionate nature of the player before continuing. “He gets angry when he goes off the field. It’s normal. Well, he shouldn’t do that. People need to know that he is like that. He gestures on and off the field. It’s nothing. He plays well, he thinks he can do things, touch more balls, and then we replace him. He gesticulates because he doesn’t want to leave the field. It’s normal. It’s nothing”repeats Benzema.
In the rest of his interview, Benzema is categorical about Vinicius’ chances of one day winning the Ballon d’Or: “I think he could win the Ballon d’Or one day. He is capable of it. It’s difficult, but he can do it. This will happen the day he understands that he is on the field only to play and that he leaves everything else aside. He can win it. He has the talent and he is in the best place to achieve it, at Real Madrid. There is no better place“. According to Nueve, Vinicius has all the qualities to become, sooner or later, the best player in the world.
