Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane praised his forward Vinicius Jr. for rising to the big occasion after the Brazilian's two goals helped his side to a 3-1 win over Liverpool in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Vinicius was signed by Real from Brazilian giants Flamengo when he was just 16 and despite showing flashes of brilliance and exceptional dribbling ability, his time in Spain has often been overshadowed by lacklustre finishing.
Before Tuesday he had scored only 12 goals in 105 Real games while his erratic play led to strike partner Karim Benzema telling team mate Ferland Mendy to avoid passing to the forward during halftime at a Champions League game earlier this season.
But the 20-year-old thrived in the spotlight against the Premier League holders and 2019 Champions League winners, breaking the deadlock with a cold-blooded finish after expertly bringing down a Toni Kroos ball with his shoulder.
'I'm delighted for him, we are seeing some fantastic stuff from him right now,' Zidane told reporters.
'We know how good he can be when he gets into space, as he showed with the first goal, which was fantastic.'
Marco Asensio doubled Real's lead before halftime but Mohamed Salah's strike offered Liverpool a way back into the tie, only for Vinicius to pop up again and deliver a potentially fatal blow to Juergen Klopp's side.
'He was lacking a goal here or there and getting two tonight will really lift his confidence, he deserved what happened tonight,' added Zidane.
Vinicius, who kissed the Real badge after each of his goals, admitted he was exhausted after his performance.
'I gave everything for this shirt, which I love so much,' he said.
'I work so hard here, I dreamed of playing for Real Madrid and with the best players and that's why I'm so keen, that's why I work so hard at training and at home.
'People on the outside can talk all they want but I always worked, my team mates have given me the strength I needed to get to this stage and score the goals we needed.'
GaneshMurmu
540
Believe me or not... Vinicious with the type finishing he did today is Much more dangerous than Halland and Mbappe
tiwabilnoy
498
Me I always tell people to be patient and allow the boy to rise. Vini jr is someone I dream of becoming the world best inshallah
ManchildUzoukwu
429
Odegaard will be crying now...Instead of learning from Modric , Benzema and Kroos he went to learn from Luis, Lacazette and Aubameyang. Hala Madrid.
Morhh
423
Never disappoints in big matches
kiobekms
372
contains your hard works vinicius, I'm so hopeful that one day you will become one of the best player in the world
Mo-mujahid
365
it was not easy for Zidane to change Vini jr
Slim2dor
241
I'm so happy for this boy. I've said it since the beginning that.. if he improves his finishing he can be world class player. Last night he showed that he has the ability to do it. He just needs to keep his focus and he'll be great.
AnuateziBenedict
184
man of the match
ZeeshanAwan
170
He proved himself ❤️❤️❤️
GladiatorSp
148
Barca must play Pique 😂 It will be fun. We might miss couple of good chance, but in return we also score couple of good goals. We do not overconfident like you Barca. We are clam and only focus on the mental strength. We will defeat you three times in a row by the end of this Saturday. BEATING “BARCA is” easier than to beat any other LaLiga team lately!!
Zobacdemos
140
if vinicius works more on his finishing and shooting believe me he is more dangerous than haaland and mbappe
ORUVAL3
114
Yeah.. Vinicius knows it's time he delivered or warm the bench...he knows much is expected of him and he has to live up to expectations...he going to do same with Barça on Saturday...if you doubt it screenshot this prophecy and let's see how it goes!!!
wiwbeiknpu
98
I’m not a Madrid fan I’m a die heart Barca fan but yo be honest with this win I’m so happy I hope Madrid goes all the way and carry the tittle because laliga has been unable to dominate Europe since 2017 and laliga is been criticized by the English foxs
AkshitAnand
9
Believe me or not... Vinicious with the type finishing he did today is Much more dangerous than Halland and Mbappe
True, his skills are so good. Hopefully he could keeps his goalscoring form🤞
psgforever❤️
8
Believe me or not... Vinicious with the type finishing he did today is Much more dangerous than Halland and Mbappe
Agreed