Tim Sherwood has said that Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. must already be giving Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola a headache in preparation of the Champions League semi-final second leg.
While City are set to face Everton on Sunday, the Brazilian winger’s display in the first leg was such that the Catalan boss must already be trying to figure ways out to keep him quiet.
Tim Sherwood has said that the much-awaited contest between Manchester City and Real Madrid is well-poised, while warning Pep Guardiola about Vinicius Jr.
Tim Sherwood warns Pep Guardiola about Real Madrid man Vinicius Jr.
Interestingly, Kyle Walker was tremendous at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Danny Murphy emphasising that he is the best 1v1 defender in the world.
However, the 22-year-old, branded as ‘outrageous’ by GOAL still found a way to be a nuisance, picking up central areas and beating players for dead. And of course, most notably, scoring an absolute belter whilst taking up a No.10’s position.
Tim Sherwood has said that Real Madrid will continue to be a worry for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, despite the game being at the Etihad Stadium while singling Vinicius Jr. out.
“I still think the game’s in the balance, I really do. They’re [Real Madrid] dangerous. They’re a dangerous animal when it comes to the Champions League. We know they’re prolific winners of it.”
“They’ve got good young players, Vinicius Jr. scares me if I’m Pep”, he said on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast.
MCN View: Guardiola needs to find a way to tame the Brazilian
While Tim Sherwood is spot on about Vinicius Jr., Pep Guardiola will be aware that if Manchester City intend to beat Real Madrid, they have to tame their most in-form player.
However, that is easier said than done.
But what Guardiola tends to specialise in is creating tactical solutions, as is evident with the current 3-4-2-1 setup that has revitalised what was once a season that was petering out.
Perhaps the best possible way to quell Vinicius Jr.’s impact is simply by taking the initiative and putting the ball into the back of the net, as the Sky Blues could stun their opponents with a less risk-averse showing at home.
