Vinicius Jr has long been celebrated for his ability to break down defenses with his exceptional dribbling skills at Real Madrid. Since joining from Flamengo in 2018, the Brazilian winger has consistently dazzled on the left flank, frequently outmaneuvering his opponents. His partnership with Karim Benzema was a key factor in Real Madrid's success under Carlo Ancelotti, contributing to their two Champions League titles. Last season, Vinicius delivered standout performances, positioning himself as a contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, though some argue Dani Carvajal also deserves recognition.
However, this season has seen a surprising shift, with a new player emerging as the team's top dribbler, surpassing Vinicius.
**Kylian Mbappe: Real Madrid's Leading Dribbler This Season**
Real Madrid's season has experienced some changes, particularly with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, which has altered the dynamics within the squad. Vinicius Jr has faced some criticism for not meeting his usual high standards, and some suggest that Mbappe's presence may have contributed to this dip in form.
In a match against Villarreal at the Bernabéu, Vinicius did deliver a stunning goal after Mbappe's substitution. However, statistics reveal that it is Mbappe, not Vinicius, who currently leads the team in successful dribbles.
So far in La Liga, Mbappe has completed 23 dribbles, averaging 2.9 per game, while Vinicius has recorded 20, with an average of 2.2 per match. While Vinicius is known for his flashy and crowd-pleasing style, Mbappe's dribbling is more focused on advancing the play efficiently rather than showmanship.