“The transition began with Vinícius, Rodrygo, Tchouaméni, Camavinga. These players will little by little take on more prominence. This team has a very good future.” The words are from Ancelotti last July. At the club, after Benzema left, this season was signed up as a transition coursein which young people took over. But none of that: there is no transition, just more successes. Thanks to Vinicius.
The footballer from Rio shone again in the Champions League semi-finals, after his performance in Munich including a double. At the Bernabéu he did not score, but he was vital in eliminating the Germans. He completed seven dribbles and finished five times against Bayerncausing Neuer’s error in Joselu’s first goal.
Vinicius is already life insurance for important games. The crack that never hides in big dates. He doesn’t stop trying. And this time he ran into Neuer again and again. Until his people managed to demolish the Teutonic wall. Vinicius is the number one candidate to win the Ballon d’Or. There is no doubt.
And he leads his generation. That of Bellingham, Rodrygo, Tchouameni, Camavinga or Valverde. A batch of young people who are already winners, and are headed to another Champions League final. They didn’t even need a year of transition: they went straight for new successes, without time for others.
A season that no one expected
In the white club and during this last summer the season was planned as a passing campaign. With the departure of Benzema, still waiting for the signing of Mbappé and without finishing saying goodbye to his legends, such as Modric, Nacho or Kroos. The board even joked about what was ahead of them, with a squad that was not as galactic as in past years..
Furthermore, with the addition of long-term injuries to Courtois and Militao. And without big signings, incorporating men like Joselu, Brahim and Fran García. With doubts even about the continuity of his coach, who was contemplating his landing in the Brazilian team. No transition or blank year: the team has already won the League and is savoring a new Champions League final.
“It has been a season that no one expected. I did not expect that this squad could achieve this. Reaching a final is a success. We have had many problems, injuries…”, Ancelotti himself confessed in the press conference after eliminating the Bayern Munich at the Bernabéu.
From the bad omens of summer, to an unbeatable present. With titles, a young dressing room that has not needed any time to take over, and a future that seems even better. With the Champions League final and more reinforcements: Mbappé, Endrick… and everything that lies ahead.
