Ancelotti compares Vinicius and Raphinha: “They’re at different stages” | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti spoke bluntly about the current situation of two of the biggest Brazilian stars in world football. Ahead of the friendly between Brazil and Australia, the Italian coach spoke about Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, who are going through very different moments at the start of the season.

While the Barcelona forward is putting up spectacular numbers, the Real Madrid player is looking to regain his best form after a less dazzling start.

Raphinha shines with Barcelona

Ancelotti did not hold back in his praise for Raphinha, who has become one of Barcelona’s standout players while playing as a false nine.

The Brazilian has 14 goals and three assists in just eight matches, numbers that have drawn attention even beyond the Blaugrana environment.

“Raphinha is doing something spectacular in a position that wasn’t his, although now it seems it is as well,” the Italian coach highlighted.

The Brazilian’s transformation has been one of the biggest stories of the start of the season, after his usual position had been more closely linked to the wings of the attack.

Vinicius is going through a different moment

Vinicius’ situation is different. The Real Madrid forward has not shown the same impact as in his best recent spells, and doubts about his performances have increased after an inconsistent start.

Ancelotti acknowledged the difference between the two situations, although he avoided dramatizing the Real Madrid player’s case.

“He may not be going through his best moment, but we trust that both will be key players for the future,” he said.

The message is a show of support for Vinicius, but it also makes it clear that right now Raphinha is in much better form.

Both will start against Australia

The comparison will have a particular stage this Friday, as both will share Brazil’s attack.

Ancelotti confirmed that Vinicius and Raphinha will start, alongside Endrick and Estêvão, in an attacking line that promises to take center stage against Australia.

Brazil’s lineup will be: Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Marquinhos, Vitor Reis, Douglas Santos; Danilo, Bruno Guimarães; Estêvão, Raphinha, Endrick and Vinicius Junior.

It will be an opportunity for Vinicius to show his best version again and, at the same time, for Raphinha to continue the spectacular run he is enjoying with Barcelona.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.