Vinícius Júnior stated his backheel help for Federico Valverde in Real Madrid‘s 3-0 Membership World Cup win over RB Salzburg on Thursday was “among the best of my profession.”
The Brazil ahead put Madrid forward within the fortieth minute at Lincoln Monetary Subject, Philadelphia, earlier than establishing Valverde to make it 2-0 earlier than halftime.
Ahead Gonzalo García added a 3rd within the 84th minute — his second aim in three video games — to see Madrid high Group H and progress to the final 16, the place they’re going to play Juventus on Tuesday.
“I am very proud of the help, I feel it is among the best I’ve had in my profession,” Vinícius stated in his post-match information convention, after being named the sport’s MVP, praising the influence of coach Xabi Alonso.
“They have been two excellent weeks. We’re gaining confidence, and attempting to grasp as shortly as potential what the boss desires. I’ve to play inside a bit extra, and I’ve at all times preferred that, I am nearer to aim.”
Vinicius’ backheel drew comparisons with Actual Madrid legend Guti, who gave a well-known backheel move in a recreation with Deportivo La Coruña.
“Vini’s was excellent, however I used to be on the sphere for Guti’s, and it was loopy,” Alonso advised DAZN. “So I will go along with that one. However Vini’s was virtually, virtually the identical.”
Alonso stated he was simply as happy with Vinicius’ contribution with out the ball.
“Vini had an amazing recreation, however not simply the aim and help — I deal with his sacrifice, his defensive dedication,” Alonso stated. “It allowed us to be very compact with and with out the ball, after which in assault having a bit extra freedom.
“I am glad for Vini, it is vital to really feel good. All of us have a very good feeling, me too, however there is a lengthy technique to go.”
Madrid employed a brand new formation towards Salzburg, with three central defenders, a method Alonso usually favoured with Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso stated switching to the system had “at all times been there, in my head.”
“The gamers have the intelligence and the soccer tradition to know why we we use it, and the optimistic issues we get from it,” he stated. “Within the first half we had a whole lot of stability and maturity.
“Having that flexibility helps us.”
Alonso additionally had optimistic phrases for Garcia, 21, who has impressed in assault within the absence of Kylian Mbappé, who continues to be recovering from gastroenteritis.
“[Garcia] is a typical quantity 9, he jogs my memory of Raul,” Alonso stated. “He is at all times in the fitting place, at all times ready for the possibility, and he has an amazing work ethic.”