Winicius junior!

Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker picks UCL title over Ballon d’Or; says coach Ancelotti has helped him evolve and arrive at season’s most important phase on a better level

The campaign for Vinicius Junior to land his first Ballon d’Or is well under way, but the Real Madrid forward has his priorities straight. 

Before worrying about individual accolades, the Brazilian attacker is aiming to claim a second Champions League triumph on Saturday when Los Blancos face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

Won it for Real in 2022

Vinicius was the man who brought Real Madrid their record 14th European Cup in 2022, stealing into the area from the left and pouncing from close range in the 1-0 win over Liverpool. 

Thrown into the void left by departed all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, Vinicius started off as a laughing stock, given his profligacy. 

After coach Carlo Ancelotti returned for a second stint at the helm in 2021, the Brazilian proved the main beneficiary. 

After 14 goals in three seasons before the Italian’s arrival, Vinicius netted 22 under Ancelotti’s guidance. It was no fluke, with the forward adding 23 goals the following year and he has 23 again ahead of the final against Bundesliga side Dortmund.

‘Can play in more positions’

Ancelotti has largely deployed Vinicius as a central striker, a role which the winger took time to adapt to. “Now I can play in more positions and that’s how I’ve made my game a lot better than when I arrived here,” Vinicius told reporters ahead of the final. 
 
Asked if he would take a 1-0 win over Dortmund like two years ago against Liverpool, with him scoring the winner, Vinicius replied “for sure.” 

“With a goal from anyone,” he continued, aiming for the UCL above any individual considerations. “I’ve never thought about [winning the Ballon d’Or]. The best thing that can happen this season is winning the Champions League,” said Vinicius.

We shouldn’t be afraid: Dortmund’s Nico

Built on grit and graft but with a hint of flair, few players embody coach Edin Terzic’s Borussia Dortmund more than centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Schlotterbeck was chomping at the bit to take on the Spanish giants and said Dortmund should relish their underdog status. “I’ve always wanted to play against Real, for me they’re the biggest club in the world. But we shouldn’t be afraid, we shouldn’t be in awe. It has to be a completely normal game for us,” he said. 

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