Vini Jr’s World Cup understudy compares ex-Flamengo man to Neymar | OneFootball

Brazil National Team takes the field this Wednesday (24) with Vini Jr. available

Brazil’s two matches in the 2026 World Cup had the Brazilian National Team star Vini Jr. as the main man. So, backup Gabriel Martinelli said this Monday (22) that it is a privilege to be on the same team as the Flamengo academy product, as well as Neymar.

– If you ask every player in the world whether they’d be happy to play with Vini, they’ll say yes. We’re very happy to be able to play with so many great players. Like Vini, Raphinha, Neymar, Cunha. We like to move around up front, combine with each other. We need everyone –, the winger said at a press conference, and added:

– I didn’t come on in the first game, in the second I got a few minutes. I always try to be ready, stay calm, and if the opportunity comes, be prepared. I try to pass that on to the lads too. The World Cup is short and intense –, the forward told the press.

Is Gabriel Martinelli Vini Jr.’s backup?

Arsenal (ENG) mainly use Martinelli as a left winger, while Real Madrid (ESP) do the same with Vinicius. As a result, the English club’s forward watched from the bench as the Spanish club’s player was involved in three of Brazil’s goals across the two matches.

However, there is a possibility the duo could play together. After all, Martinelli came on in the match against Haiti with the Ninho do Urubu graduate still on the field. Moreover, Vini knows how to play as a second striker, while his national team teammate has already played on the right.

Did Martinelli say anything else about Vini?

– I think we’d run 20%, 30% more to get the best out of Ney, Vini, whoever it may be. I always try to give my all and do whatever needs to be done. If I need to defend in a back five, defending there alongside the full-back –, the forward said, adding:

– We’re giving a lot of ourselves. We want to win the World Cup, we know the quality we have, and I do think we’d run 20%, 30% more to bring out the best –, Martinelli said later in the press conference.

When did Flamengo bring through Vini Jr?

The current star of the National Team made his debut for Flamengo’s senior squad in 2017, but he had already been sold to Real Madrid before even making his first appearance. After all, the youngster was already impressing in the youth ranks. So, as soon as he turned 18, the player moved to Europe.

How is Vini Jr.’s Brazil National Team doing?

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have four points in World Cup Group C. Therefore, Vini Jr. and company are aiming to qualify in first place in the group. So, it is unlikely that the Ninho graduate will be rested against Scotland this Wednesday (24).

The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Brasília time in Miami, United States. Thus, Coluna do Fla will bring the result of the match with an emphasis on the performances of Lucas Paquetá, Alex Sandro, Danilo, and Léo Pereira, current Flamengo players.

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