The weeks pass and Vitinha’s rise seems irresistible. His hat-trick against Tottenham shook certainties, fueled flattering comparisons and reinforced his position among the most influential players in European football. However, in the midst of this almost unanimous enthusiasm, one voice continues to slow down the excitement, believing that the Portuguese must still confirm to cross the last level.
Vitinha praised, but still discussed
It was Christophe Dugarry who expressed his reservations in the program “Rothen s’igname”. Faithful to his reputation as an assumed killjoy, sometimes out of a simple taste for contradiction, the former Ballon d’Or did not hesitate to temper the euphoria. The one who has never stopped juggling with his own certainties – notably in his relationship with Mbappé whom he has criticized for years before recently rehabilitating him – judges that Vitinha “is not yet the best player in the world”.
According to him, even after his performance against Tottenham, the Portuguese must “prove a little more” before entering this category. An analysis which stands out in a context where almost all observers welcome, on the contrary, an environment that has become indispensable to PSG and on the way to global status.
Between personal reservations and partial recognition
Dugarry nevertheless recognizes a reality: Vitinha is “the best midfielder in the world today”. A strong compliment, immediately qualified by a series of conditions. For him, the Portuguese must now demonstrate his ability to also carry Portugal, and confirm his influence during major international events, notably during the next World Cup.
The consultant also insists on the determining role of Luis Enrique in this metamorphosis. According to him, Vitinha benefits from an ideal setting, a game plan perfectly suited to his qualities and a team that plays to his hand. In short, an environment which should allow his talent to express itself, but which is not yet sufficient to validate his change in status.
Basically, this position illustrates a form of assumed caution, even voluntary resistance, in the face of a player whose progress has become spectacular. Dugarry prefers to wait six months: time for him to judge whether Vitinha can take his place among the very best, or whether he will still remain one step below.
