In the wake of Rodri’s Ballon d’Or triumph, football fans have been buzzing over his surprising remarks regarding Real Madrid stars Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Jr. The Manchester City midfielder, who clinched the prestigious award without maintaining a social media presence, didn’t hold back when sharing his opinions.
Rodri’s Bold Claim
Speaking candidly, Rodri revealed that he would rank Carvajal above Vini Jr in his personal hierarchy of players. He stated, “Dani Carvajal was better than Vini Jr. I would vote him 2nd and Vini Jr 3rd.” This statement sent shockwaves through the footballing community, sparking debates about the relative contributions of the two players during last season.
Carvajal, known for his defensive solidity and big-game performances, was instrumental in Real Madrid’s campaigns, while Vinícius Jr dazzled with his flair, goals, and assists. Fans are now left wondering: Did Carvajal’s consistency overshadow Vini’s attacking brilliance?
The Social Media Twist
Rodri didn’t stop there. He added a cheeky anecdote involving his Spanish teammate Álvaro Morata. According to Rodri, Morata had once told him, “You’re stupid. If you had social media, you would win the Ballon d’Or.” However, Rodri proved his point by securing the award without a single tweet or Instagram post.
Rodri shared how he responded to Morata after his victory, saying, “As soon as I won it, I sent him a message: ‘Look, Ballon d’Or and no social media!’” The playful jab showcased Rodri’s confidence in letting his performance on the pitch speak louder than online engagement.
Carvajal vs. Vini Jr: The Debate
Rodri’s remarks have ignited conversations among fans and pundits. On one hand, Carvajal’s discipline and experience have made him a mainstay in Real Madrid’s backline. On the other hand, Vini Jr’s electric pace and game-changing moments have elevated him to superstardom.
Statistics from last season offer contrasting insights:
- Carvajal: Key defensive contributions, leadership, and an underrated role in Madrid’s transitional play.
- Vini Jr: 23 goals and 19 assists across all competitions, consistently producing magic in crucial games.
Fans React
Social media erupted following Rodri’s comments. Some fans applauded his praise for Carvajal, arguing that defenders often don’t get the recognition they deserve. Others vehemently defended Vini Jr, insisting his impact was unparalleled.
One fan tweeted, “Carvajal is a legend, but Vini Jr was Madrid’s heartbeat last season. Rodri must be joking!” Another countered, “It’s refreshing to see players like Carvajal getting the credit they deserve. Not everything is about goals and assists!”
Conclusion
Rodri’s comments have added fuel to an already intense debate. Was Carvajal’s consistency truly superior to Vini Jr’s attacking exploits? While fans may never agree, one thing is clear: both players played pivotal roles in Real Madrid’s successes, each excelling in their unique way.
As for Rodri, his Ballon d’Or win without social media has set a new precedent—sometimes, actions really do speak louder than posts.
What do you think? Was Carvajal better than Vini Jr last season? Let us know in the comments!
