Anybody expected such a strong performance from someone who has been criticised for the most part of his career at the Santiago Bernabeu?
Well, that was just a good sight to behold at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium on Tuesday night – a proper Champions League display from a Samba boy.
Vinicius Junior was the centre of attraction against the Premier League champions and had two goals to show for it while also walking away with the Man of the Match award.
Arriving at the Bernabeu at a tender age, the Brazilian has seen it all, from receiving criticism and being given the task of carrying the team post Cristiano Ronaldo-era.
After suffering a serious injury in a defining game against Ajax three seasons ago, the 20-year-old looked to be far from reaching his potential at the club following his return from injury.
Even when some called for him to leave the club due to the lack of chances he was being given, the youngster decided to stay and show the world that he is worth watching.
That was exactly the case when he graced the pitch on Tuesday against Liverpool – a player who has developed and had much confidence in his game.
He made an artwork of a 50 yards pass from Toni Kroos before beating Alisson Becker with a powerful drive to give Madrid the opener. To see such control and finish from Vinicius was a delight, and he topped it up with a kiss on the club’s badge.
The interesting part of the night? The Brazilian scored his second of the game and all he could manage was: “I’m here, I’m here” he said after making it 3-1, indicating where he wants his future to be.
Now that is a big statement from someone who had to listen to Jorge Valdano make a suggestion that the club has to swap him for Kylian Mbappe.
He may be disappointing at times but when Vinicius Jr decides to turn up, he always perseveres.
