PSG: Vitinha uses giraffes to explain how he adapted to the team's style | OneFootball

Vitinha, a 26-year-old midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal, is not particularly fast, physically strong, or tall (1.72m). But he has managed to establish himself at the highest level. In a Canal11 documentary, the player explained how he found the solution in the game.

There is often the idea that you absolutely need tall and “strong” players, especially in midfield. This has been tirelessly repeated about PSG in recent years. The latter finally won the Champions League with Fabian Ruiz (1.89m) as the only tall midfielder, and he is far from being the most athletically equipped. Aerial duels are not at all his specialty. This is rather the case for João Neves (1.74m).

This is already a reminder that aerial play does not depend solely on the player’s height; there is also positioning, timing, and determination, among other things. And a player’s level or contribution to the team can even less be reduced to size or power. These are characteristics to consider. But one cannot overlook technical quality, game vision, positional intelligence, calmness, etc.

Vitinha has adapted to his qualities and shortcomings to contribute as much as possible to the team, and he is among the best in the world. Neves is making his place. And they may just be the beginning of a very long list of midfielders (and other positions) who establish themselves at the highest level without being particularly tall or physically powerful. One must know how to adapt their game to their profile, as well as to the team. It is also the coach’s job to ensure that the elements “fit together” (like the “puzzle” so dear to Luis Campos).

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