"Probably the most devastating 1v1 player in the world" - Rio Ferdinand heaps praises on Real Madrid superstar
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has heralded Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior as the best one-on-one attacker in world football.
Ferdinand told BT Sport as part of their coverage for Los Blancos' 1-1 first-leg UEFA Champions League semifinal clash against Manchester City on Tuesday (May 9):
“Vinicius is most probably the most devastating 1v1 player in the world.”
Vinicius, 22, has quickly become one of Real Madrid's most important and exciting players.
The Brazilian forward has bagged 22 goals and 21 goals in 50 games across competitions this season. He now has 58 goals and 64 assists in 220 games since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2018.
He has given some of the best right-backs in world football all sorts of problems. Vinicius did so against Reece James in Los Merengues' 4-0 aggregate win over Chelsea in the Champions League quarterfinals. Ferdinand had said after Vinicius' display in the first leg:
"Vinicius Junior showed no respect to Reece James tonight. Whenever Vini had the ball, he went straight at James."
Vinicius' electric pace and agility have caused defenders nightmares on the left flank. His sudden burst of speed blends perfectly with the way Carlo Ancelotti structures his side to attack. He will hope to get the better of Kyle Walker in Madrid's clash with City on Tuesday.
Real Madrid offer Dani Ceballos new contract but with no improved role or salary
According to Spanish outlet Onda Betica, Real Madrid have offered Dani Ceballos a new three-year deal. The Spanish midfielder's current contract expires at the end of the season.
Ceballos, 26, has played backup for most of the season, starting just 16 of 40 games, chipping in with eight goal contributions. However, he has impressed when called upon, and Los Blancos deem him to be a valuable player.
Hence, they have tabled a new contract extension offer that will keep him tied to the Bernabeu till 2026. However, the proposal does not include an improvement on his salary or his role in the team. He's behind the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Federico Valverde in the pecking order.
Cellabos' chances of a more prominent role are further jeopardised by the likely arrival of Jude Bellingham. Reports claim that the English midfielder is edging ever closer to joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.