French legend accuses Vinicius Junior of overcomplicating play in Champions League defeat

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·05 de novembro de 2025

French legend accuses Vinicius Junior of overcomplicating play in Champions League defeat

Real Madrid star criticised for lack of intensity and decision-making

French legend accuses Vinicius Junior of overcomplicating play in Champions League defeat

Vídeos OneFootball

French legend Thierry Henry criticised Vinicius Junior following Real Madrid’s 1 - 0 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League group stage at Anfield.

The decisive goal came in the 61 minute when Alexis Mac Allister struck from distance to secure all three point for Arne Slot’s side. Despite Madrid’s star studded attack, the visitors failed to register single shot on target throughout the match.

Speaking on CBS Sports, Henry expressed frustration at Vinicius' display calling it "overcomplicated" and lacking in purpose.

"I don’t understand it, you've to play what’s in front of you and read the moment. Even if there’s no one inside the box forcing your opponent back thirty yards can open space for others. But instead, he’s trying too hard to make things look beautiful when simplicity is enough" Henry said.

🗣️ Thierry Henry: “Me and Gareth spoke during the game [about the attack of Real Madrid], one example we saw that when Vinicius had the ball 1v1, he recycled it to the left-back, then received it back and then it was 1v3. The attacking game didn’t [make sense from the forwards].”
– quarta-feira, 5 de novembro de 2025

Henry also accused Vinicius of allowing Liverpool right back Conor Bradley too much freedom:

"In first few minutes, he had Bradley one on one. That’s when you test him , make him panic, make him take yellow card. but Vinicius didn’t do that. He backed off and made it easy for the defender"

Henry added that Madrid’s forward made "the wrong decisions repeatedly" often slowing attacks by recycling possession instead of taking on defenders early.