1 hr. ago
Arsenal's ambitious pursuit of Vinícius Jr has received another intriguing twist after respected South American football expert Tim Vickery suggested the Brazilian's situation at Real Madrid is being complicated by the arrival of Kylian Mbappé.
As reported by Sky Sports, Vickery explained that the issue goes beyond two global superstars competing for the spotlight, insisting there is also a fundamental tactical clash between the pair.
"Without a doubt, yes – very much so. It's not only a battle of egos, it's not only a battle to be number one, it's also the fact that tactically they like the same ***** e."
Vickery added that while Vinícius is traditionally viewed as a winger and Mbappé as a centre-forward, both naturally drift into similar areas of the pitch, making it difficult for either player to perform at their best.
"It's very hard to fit the two of them in the same side. Ancelotti couldn't do it and Ancelotti is a master at adapting and getting the best out of what he's got. The Mbappé thing is undoubtedly a problem for Vinícius Jr."
#vickery #ancelotti #only
As reported by Sky Sports, Vickery explained that the issue goes beyond two global superstars competing for the spotlight, insisting there is also a fundamental tactical clash between the pair.
"Without a doubt, yes – very much so. It's not only a battle of egos, it's not only a battle to be number one, it's also the fact that tactically they like the same ***** e."
Vickery added that while Vinícius is traditionally viewed as a winger and Mbappé as a centre-forward, both naturally drift into similar areas of the pitch, making it difficult for either player to perform at their best.
"It's very hard to fit the two of them in the same side. Ancelotti couldn't do it and Ancelotti is a master at adapting and getting the best out of what he's got. The Mbappé thing is undoubtedly a problem for Vinícius Jr."
#vickery #ancelotti #only
1 month ago
Scotland's strong midfield will be key to competing with Brazil on Wednesday, but the "sweltering afternoon heat" of Miami could mean a similar outcome to their 1982 meeting in Seville, fears South American football expert Tim Vickery.
The Scots took the lead in 44 years ago only to lose 4-1 but need to avoid a repeat if they are to progress to the knock-out stages for the first time.
Vickery expects Al-Ittihad's Fabinho to start alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta instead of Manchester United's Casemiro, who is on a yellow card and in danger of suspension.
"But central midfield is not their best area," he said of the current Brazil side on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound. "Scotland are quite strong there and can compete.
"Can they do it for the full 90 minutes? Memories of that fine Scottish side in '82 that held Brazil 1-1 at half time but in the second half in the heat of Seville couldn't keep it up.
The Scots took the lead in 44 years ago only to lose 4-1 but need to avoid a repeat if they are to progress to the knock-out stages for the first time.
Vickery expects Al-Ittihad's Fabinho to start alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta instead of Manchester United's Casemiro, who is on a yellow card and in danger of suspension.
"But central midfield is not their best area," he said of the current Brazil side on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound. "Scotland are quite strong there and can compete.
"Can they do it for the full 90 minutes? Memories of that fine Scottish side in '82 that held Brazil 1-1 at half time but in the second half in the heat of Seville couldn't keep it up.
