A bold statement from former Spanish international Marcos Senna has sparked debate in Spain. Weighing in on the discussion of the best player currently, Senna, who has Brazilian roots, shared his preference for Barcelona's rising star Lamine Yamal over Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, backing his opinion with strong reasoning.
Vinicius Junior is a top contender for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, following an outstanding season in which he delivered stellar performances, particularly in the Champions League. The 24-year-old Brazilian has caught the attention of many football experts, and most anticipate that he will be among the top candidates for the prestigious award this year. Known for his explosive and energetic style, Vinicius plays a key role for Real Madrid. He recently shined in La Liga against Villarreal and remains one of the most aggressive players in Carlo Ancelotti's squad in one-on-one battles, even if he isn't the team's top dribbler.
Senna's comments, however, have caused a stir. The former Villarreal star publicly critiqued Vinicius Junior, stating, "That's why I prefer Yamal." According to Senna, Vinicius is not a complete player. In an interview with *Mundo Deportivo*, the 48-year-old former defensive midfielder argued that Lamine Yamal, Barcelona's young talent, is a more well-rounded player, needing only to add speed to his game to become the perfect dribbler.
"I prefer Lamine Yamal over Vinicius because he has the ability to 'pause' the game like Messi. He's more involved in play, offers more variety in his passing, has a better shot, and is more elegant in one-on-one situations. If he had Vini's speed, he would be the ideal dribbler," Senna remarked. His critique has drawn widespread attention and reactions across Spain.
Despite such criticism, it’s clear that Vinicius continues to grow as a player. Having faced skepticism when he first arrived at Real Madrid in 2018, the Brazilian has worked tirelessly to establish himself among the world's best. According to *Media Relevo*, the 24-year-old is a strong candidate for this year's Ballon d'Or, competing alongside stars like Rodri, Mbappe, and Haaland. Madrid’s leadership is reportedly already preparing for the ceremony, hoping to celebrate their star player's achievements.