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‘He’s one of the best players’: Vinicius Junior greets ‘idol’ Karim Benzema and thanks the French striker for helping him develop at Real Madrid
- Vinicius Junior credits Karim Benzema for helping him settle in Madrid
- The young Brazilian joined Real del Flamengo when he turned 18 in 2018
- He says Benzema has been instrumental after his initial problems with consistency.
- But Vinicius has scored in consecutive games with Real for the first time
Vinicius Junior has thanked Karim Benzema for the fundamental role that the French forward has played in his development at Real Madrid.
The Brazilian scored in consecutive games for the first time in his career at Madrid against Valladolid and Levante and attributes much of his progress to his attacking partner.
“Karim is an idol and it is a real pleasure to play alongside him,” he told Real Madrid TV.
Vinicius has praised Benzema for how he helped him adapt when he first arrived at Madrid
The Brazilian scored in consecutive games for the first time for Real against Levante
“Whenever we are together, we always talk about how you can help me and the ways in which I improve.
“Since I joined the club, it has helped me stay calm and choose the right option.
“He is one of the best players out there and he can help me a lot,” he added.
“It is a dream come true to play alongside all the players who are here. I take advantage of every moment with them and listen a lot.
“They always help me and they know that I learn from them.”
Vinicius has previously been criticized for his finishing ability, and the Brazilian says he is still learning after reaching the Spanish giants at 18 for £ 41 million from Flamengo in 2018, having signed terms a year earlier.
Vinicius has been criticized for his shot but scored the winning goal against Valladolid
He scored just three times last season, but one of them was the first goal in a crucial El Clásico win.
“I joined Madrid at 18 and everything was new to me,” he admitted.
‘I keep learning and developing to help now and in the future.
‘I will continue to improve a lot to help in all aspects. I want to raise the treble ‘, he concluded.
Vinicius’ decision-making has not always been perfect, scoring just three goals last season when Los Blancos won their 34th LaLiga title, although one of them scored a crucial 2-0 El Clásico victory against Barcelona.
But he has started this season strong, scoring the winning goal against Valladolid and opening the scoring in Madrid’s 2-0 win over Levante on Sunday, both compound finishes suggesting he is getting more lethal against the goal.
His attack appearance is all the more important given Eden Hazard’s absence from the squad, and Zinedine Zidane hopes the 20-year-old will continue to flourish alongside Benzema.
