"He is improving in all aspects" - Yan Couto backs Real Madrid man to win the Ballon d'Or this year
Manchester City right-back Yan Couto has backed Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. He heaped praise on his compatriot's ability and improvement since his arrival in Spain.
Vinicius had a stellar 2023-24 campaign with Los Blancos, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 39 games across competitions. He was the leader in the attack following Karim Benzema's departure last summer. He helped them win the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Supercopa de Espana.
Many believe the Brazilian winger is the favorite to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or and Yan Couto has backed him for the award as well, saying (via Madrid Zone):
“I watch Viní in training with the national team and it is good that we are improving. Watching a world-class winger, who if not the best, is the second or third best. He deserves the Ballon d'Or.
"He is improving in all aspects and he scores a lot of goals and provides assists. He has developed a lot since his arrival to Real Madrid.”
Vinicius arrived at Real Madrid from Brazilian club Flamengo in 2018 and has scored 83 goals and provided 75 assists in 264 games for the Spanish giants. He has won two Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles, among other honors.
Yan Couto linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer
Yan Couto could play with Vinicius Jr. at club level as well, as per reports. As per Goal, Real Madrid are interested in signing the Manchester City man as a successor for Dani Carvajal, who is 32 years old now.
Couto, meanwhile, joined Manchester City from Brazilian side Coritiba FC in 2020 but has been away on loan since then. He was on a two-year loan spell at Girona, which expires this summer. He will now return to City but has interest from multiple clubs as well.
Couto impressed during the 2023-24 season with Girona, as they finished third in La Liga. He made 39 appearances across competitions and contributed two goals and 10 assists. When asked about a potential move to Real Madrid earlier this year, the Brazilian said (via Goal):
"Yes yes. If they are interested it is an option, I will not lie to you.”
He added:
"I am a City player, I have a contract there and I dream of playing for City."
Couto's contract with Manchester City expires in 2025 and they could look to cash in on him this summer if they don't inculcate him in the first team.