Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti described Vinicius Junior as the ‘best in the world’ after his performance the four-goal victory over Girona.
Vinicius Jr opened the scoring for Ancelotti’s side before providing assists for Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes as Madrid ran out comfortable winners in Saturday evening’s La Liga clash.
Bellingham netted twice as Madrid stretched their lead over Girona to five points at the top of the league standings but it was Vinicius who came in for special praise from his boss after the match.
“He’s the best in the world,” Ancelotti said after being asked to described the performance of Vinicius Jr.
The Madrid boss was then asked who the best players in the world were outside of the Brazilian. “Bellingham, Rodrygo the third, Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos,” Ancelotti answered.
Ancelotti was then asked about Kylian Mbappe, the Paris Saint-Germain star who has long been linked with a move to Madrid. “The player you named is from another team,” Ancelotti responded. “I have the best.”
The four-goal victory over second-placed Girona was arguably the best performance and result of the season for Madrid although there was concern that Bellingham had to be taken off with an injury in the 57th minute.
“It was very complete in all aspects,” Ancelotti said of the game. “We managed possession, transitions. The (injury) emergency has increased the defensive commitment.
“Bellingham has had a sprained ankle, we will assess him tomorrow and hopefully he will be available on Tuesday.”
Madrid are back on action as they travel to RB Leipzig for the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.
GO DEEPER
The Briefing – Real Madrid 4 Girona 0: Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham star in dominant display
(Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
