Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior has been warned that Neymar is the "wrong role model" by World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus.
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Vinicius starring for Real MadridBut criticised for on-field behaviourAccused of inciting fansFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Vinicius Jr has just been crowned FIFA's The Best Men's Player after a stellar year where he has lifted the European Cup and won La Liga with Real Madrid, while also continuing to lead the fight against racism in Spanish football. Yet the Brazilian has regularly come in for criticism for his on-pitch behaviour after clashes with opponents, match officials and supporters during games.
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Vinicius Jr's talent is not in doubt and he came back from injury to feature for Madrid last time out in a 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano. Yet the Brazilian once again attracted controversy in the game. He was booked for dissent, which brings with it a one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation, and also made inappropriate gestures to Rayo fans. Mathaus says that Vinicius is a brilliant player but needs to work on his behaviour, which he feels is similar to his Brazil team-mate Neymar.
WHAT HAS BEEN SAID
The former Germany international told : "For me, he is the new Neymar. He is a super talent, but like Neymar, he gets in his own way. He incites the spectators, picks fights with opponents, provokes with gestures. [He has] a great finish, speed, everything is world-class, but in his behaviour he is on the wrong path, Neymar is the wrong role model."
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS JR
Vinicius will be aiming to end the year on a high at Real Madrid by winning the Intercontinental Cup against Pacheca. The Brazilian will then sit out Los Blancos' final game of the year against Sevilla through suspension.