National team manager uses Neymar as example to defend Real Madrid superstar

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. has come under fire for his dour performances for the Brazilian national team.

Criticism has been levelled against the 24-year-old claiming that he does not perform at the same level as he does for his club when it comes to the national team.

Fingers were pointed at the Ballon d’Or frontrunner after he failed to make much of an impact during Brazil’s most recent fixture which they won 1-0 against Ecuador, thanks to a goal from Rodrygo Goes.

The Real Madrid attacker failed to complete any of his four dribble attempts against Ecuador and lost possession 14 times – most by any Brazil player in the game.

Vinicius’ dull display came on the back of an overall disappointing Copa America campaign as well, leading to question marks over his performances for Brazil.

Dorival Junior defends Vinicius

Speaking after the game against Ecuador, though, Brazil manager Dorival Junior has defended Vinicius, stating that the young forward is under the same pressure that was once placed upon Neymar – to deliver game after game.

“We want to see players in the condition where he produces at all times, in the same way he does at his club,” the Brazil coach said of Vinicius.

“We always have cycles within the clubs themselves, we have moments when Rodrygo will be featured over a few months, soon Vini will enter this same condition,” he added.

“We have to be very calm. This same expectation was generated around Neymar, that at all times Neymar had to be the solution to our problems.”

Brazil are up against Paraguay next in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures and they will be hoping that Vinicius steps up and delivers in the match.

Source: beIN Sports