Nah, I ain't letting you off the hook on this one. Your point was disingenuous as hell. So because RM as a whole, as a club, suffered a poor campaign, it means Vinicius the individual player didn't dominate his time on the pitch? You don't like the word dominance, substitute it with spectacular or magnificent. How many 18-year-olds break into the first team of a top-3 club in the world and make an impact (in La Liga) with little to no transition period? Cuantos? I've made this point over and over, the back four taking no pride in defending has nothing to do with Vini's job. The tired MF trio of Casemiro, Kroos and Luka, again, not Vinicius's problem. Courtois being basura before and after the hammy injury, not the Brazuca's fault. Vinicius more than did his job as a LW. He inspired and rallied our side with flair, creativity and threatening play. By your argument, Ajax failing to win CL or even make the final means FdJ was a failure and not dominant in MF. Not true, right. One player doesn't win titles domestically or in Europe. Ronnie and Leo are the closest to it. Argument could be made for Mbappe and Neymar too, especially in Ligue 1. You posted empty stats, I watch futebol with my eyes. Also convenient you neglected his CdR numbers to fit your narrative.
As
Coupé It
pointed out, I'm no homer. Pride myself on remaining objective. I will admit, I said full campaign but didn't compensate for his time out with the ruptured ligament. In truth, Vini didn't play regularly until January so it's more like a half campaign. Additionally, Vinicius is not without flaws. His finishing is nowhere near elite. Definitely not on the level of his dribbling and ability to create chances in the final third. I don't see him shoot dangerously with his left foot often enough, especially if he's being forced to assimilate to the opposite wing (RW). Tite had every opportunity to include the Carioca when Neymar was omitted and chose Willian for baffling reasons, probably experience and trust.
To answer the other question, I do not see world-class potential in Rafael Leao. I think he'll end up more like a second fiddle attacker. Paqueta is the one with WC talent. In hindsight, Flamengo didn't get enough from Milano. 21 and just scratching the surface. Although he's lazy with defensive duties and tracking back. Visibly exposed in that regard in the Derby della Madonnina.
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