Defender says the winger forces opponents to play at their best
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has praised Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, calling him one of the “greats” and a “high-level player”.
The La Liga heavyweights clash on Sunday in the season’s first clásico, and the first for Xabi Alonso as manager.
Madrid have made a strong start under the Spaniard, winning 15 of 18 games since his appointment, including 11 of 12 this season.
Vinicius started the season slowly but has now produced five goals and four assists in 12. Araujo came off the bench to score a late winner for Barcelona against Girona last weekend, in a tie that perfectly set up one of the most defining fixtures of the season.
“Vinicius is a truly spectacular player,” said Araujo. “Every game with him is a test.
“Whenever we’ve played each other, he has been very professional. He brings out the best in you. The greats do that.
“He brings out the best in everyone in those duels. It requires the highest level of skill from you. Only high-level players can unlock the opponent’s potential in such duels.
“I love players like Vinicius. Bold, confrontational. He is always active on the field, always thinking about victory. I don’t pay attention to what he says off the pitch. What matters is what he does on the pitch.”
