Vitinha has France at his feet again: “Mind-blowing” | OneFootball

PSG returned to winning ways on Tuesday with a vintage thrashing in their visit to Bayer Leverkusen (7-2), in the 3rd round of the Champions League. Vitinha and Nuno Mendes started the match – Gonçalo Ramos remained on the bench and João Neves is still injured – and once again stood out for their intensity. This time, however, it is the former FC Porto player who garners the most praise, not only for his goal and assist in Germany but also for the overall contribution he offers to the team.

In France, praise is pouring in for the "Portuguese maestro." From teammates and coach to commentators, Vitinha has left French observers amazed with yet another high-level performance.

"It's mind-blowing and impressive. Vitinha is simply an exceptional player. He has possibly become the best midfielder in the world. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say this. In recent games, many players 'disappeared,' but Vitinha was always there. Against Barcelona, he delivered. For me, he is the key piece that makes this PSG play," said Daniel Riolo, a French journalist, on the After Foot program of RMC Sport, continuing.

"His passes, the number of duels he wins... He does that and still manages to enhance the attacking players. In fact, he does everything and more. He has acquired an incredible dimension. Seeing his game intelligence before anyone else is truly impressive," highlighted Riolo.

Luis Enrique recalls criticism

Luis Enrique also spared no praise for Vitinha's performance in Leverkusen, even recalling the criticism he received for positioning the midfielder deeper in the center.

"It's not the time to talk about just one player, but Vitinha is incredible. He is always at the center of everything we do. He is an amazing player. Many criticized me when I placed him at 6, but he can play in any position," emphasized the Spanish coach of PSG, at the press conference after the match at BayArena.

Dembélé points to the "maestro"

Ousmane Dembélé, the latest Ballon d'Or winner, also praised his teammate and did not hesitate to qualify him as the "great maestro" of PSG.

"He is our maestro on the field. He continues with the same rhythm as last season," stated the French forward.

It should be noted that Vitinha finished in third place in the race for the France Football magazine award.

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