Brazil always seems to produce talented players, from Bebeto and Pele to Ronaldinho and Neymar. With the ball at their feet, magic always follows. One such player currently electrifying the world with his samba skills is Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior.
Over the past three years, his quick feet and creative dribbling have allowed him to unlock the tightest of defenses and create chances for teammates. From Barcelona in the La Liga to Manchester City in the Champions League, he has managed to go toe to toe with the best defenses in Europe.
But are Vinicius Junior’s contributions this season enough to get him the Golden Ball?
Team Performance
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While the Ballon d’Or is an individual award, team success often plays a significant factor in determining the winner. In this regard, Vinicius Junior is among the top candidates. With the La Liga title already secured, Real Madrid hopes to go all the way in the Champions League.
After overcoming Bayern in a somewhat dramatic fashion in the semifinal, they’ll face Borrusia Dortmund in the final. While the German side poses a genuine risk, especially on the break, the Los Merengues are clear favorites. They have the better squad and have demonstrated the resilience and pedigree that won them their last three titles.
If Real Madrid clinches their 15th and record-extending Champions League title, players like Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham will be front runners for the Ballon d’Or.
Individual Performance
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When it comes to winning the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius Junior’s dancing feet alone are not enough. It’s all about output. With 32 goal contributions so far this season, it’s fair to say he’s doing well. Along with his 11 assists, his goal distributions are as follows:
- LaLiga– 13
- Champions League- 5
- Supercopa- 3
Considering he’s only played 36 games so far this season, Vinicius Junior has a goal contribution of 1.12 per game. This is impressive, especially because heat maps demonstrate his overall involvement in play in deeper areas of the pitch.
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How Can Vinicius Junior Win the Ballon d’Or
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There’s no doubt that Vinicius Junior has a good case for winning the most prestigious individual award. However, he faces stiff competition from the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Kane.
All these players have been in sizzling form throughout the season. But with none of them standing out above the rest, it’ll come down to team honors. At this stage, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham have the chance to get an advantage over their counterparts by lifting the Champions League.
However, while a starring performance in the Champions League final will significantly boost Vinicius Junior’s cause, it may not be enough. He’ll also need a strong performance at the Copa America to offset any boost his counterparts get from the Euros. Currently, this may be a tough task as Brazil does not boast of the squad strength of the past.
That being said, after a stellar campaign this season, the 23-year-old certainly has the world at his feet. Should Vinicius Junior stay clear of serious injuries and continue in this trajectory, he’ll remain a top candidate for the Ballon d’Or in the coming years.
About The Author
Chris is a soccer aficionado whose life revolves around the game. He’s played competitively and is now a soccer writer and coach. Whether it’s in-depth match and player analyses or tactical reviews, his engaging writing style appeals to fans worldwide. Keep following his writings to stay informed about all things soccer.
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