In Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid have two attacking superstars who are bound to lead the team to great heights for years to come.
The Br azilian duo have become integral to Carlo Ancelotti’s plans over the past few years and have played key roles in the success that the Merengues have achieved of late.
And, as we enter the final phase of the season, both Rodrygo and Vinicius will be crucial for Real Madrid to win silverware.
Rodrygo and Vinicius will be playing in England tonight as Real Madrid take on Manchester City in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
Ahead of the contest, Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira, who has seen both Rodrygo and Vinicius from close quarters with the Br azil national team, has shed light on how both players are different from each other but equally impactful.
Speaking on the FIVE Podcast, Pereira stated that Rodrygo was more versatile and smooth whereas Vinicius was more of an explosive player.
"I would say Rodrygo can play as a No. 10, right wing, left wing, false nine. He’s just so smooth… you cannot put pressure on him, he turns right, he turns left," Pereira said.
"I think Vini is so explosive, he can score a goal in 1 second. He can lose a ball & look tired… then boom, it’s a goal. He’s more explosive, fast. So the combination they both have together is just… to play with them, it’s easy you know (laughs)."
On being asked if Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was better than Rodrygo, Pereira laughed off that suggestion and said:
"Saka better than Rodrygo? Rodrygo? From Real Madrid? (laughs). Nah, your opinion is different. I like Saka, I think he’s amazing, but Rodrygo can play in all positions, plays for Real Madrid."
Pereira also had some words of praise for soon-to-be Real Madrid player Endrick. The Br azilian whizkid signed for the Merengues in December 2022 itself and will be arriving this summer once he turns 18.
There are a lot of expectations on the 17-year-old and Pereira has now added to the hype surrounding him, saying:
"Endrick? I don’t know the English word, but in Br azil we have a word: ‘O iluminado’. You know when a lot of people are about to be born and God says ‘this is the one’, he’s like that. He’s a monster."