Vinicius Junior sets expectations for 2024 Copa America

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior has become the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or in the 2023/24 season after leading the Merengue team to several outstanding performances in the knockout stages.

While team-mate Jude Bellingham and now Kylian Mbappe have strong arguments, Vinicius Junior has shown decisive performances in the Champions League against the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich. performance and is widely regarded as the best player in the world.

Starting next Monday, Vinicius Junior will have the opportunity to add to his resume and build a stronger foundation for becoming the best player in the world when Brazil take on Costa Rica in their first match of the 2024 Copa America.

With Neymar missing the Copa America due to injury, this Brazilian team undoubtedly belongs to Vinicius Jr. The striker led by him also includes two Real Madrid stars Rodrigo Gos and new aid Enderrick.

As important as these two young strikers are to Brazil, Vinicius Junior is the man of the hour and therefore the one who faces all the pressure.

Anyone named as Brazil’s top star will face a pressure unfamiliar to the vast majority of footballers, with the exception of those named as Real Madrid’s top star.

Vinicius Junior felt the pressure almost from day one. The next man was handed the keys to the left wing position.

Hazard never regained fitness, so the pressure was on to become Real Madrid’s starting left wing every week – a position previously held by the club’s most successful player in history, Cristiano Ronaldo.

So, in a way, it will be relatively easy for Real Madrid’s No. 7 to take over from Neymar in Brazil, having been a key player in the Merengue’s two Champions League triumphs.

Vinicius Jr. will be tasked with guiding Brazil back to Copa America glory as they faced a chaotic Argentina side in the final that ended up being more physical against Neymar and Brazil’s attack. Messi plays.

Of course, Messi and Argentina played more brilliant football at the last World Cup, taking the honors ahead of Vinny’s new teammate Mbappe.

Vinicius Junior must lead by example and lead by example just as Mbappe did in the final. It’s a good thing that’s exactly what he did for Real Madrid, averaging over five dribbles and fouls per game and contributing to 10 goals in 10 Champions League games last season.

There is little value in setting statistical expectations at the Copa America due to the variability of the competition, and at the end of the day, only one thing matters to Vinicius Junior and Brazil. Just win.

Therefore, it is crucial for Vinicius Junior to do all the things he does for Real Madrid – both big and “small”, such as tracking back. His aim is to be part of a team effort to bring the Copa America back to Brazil, especially if it means revenge against Barcelona legend Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final.