Real’s Vinicius one of the best in the world right now: Carlo Ancelotti

MADRID: Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr is one of the best players in the world right now, manager Carlo Ancelotti said, adding that it was not a concern that their performances are so dependent on the Brazilian's form this season.

The 22-year-old was key in helping Real win the LaLiga-Champions League double last season and will be expected to lead his side to a morale-boosting win over arch-rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Thursday.

"Real Madrid have a dependency on Vinicius Jr and that is a good dependency to have because he is one of the best players in the world right now," Ancelotti told a news conference on Wednesday.

"I see depending on Vinicius as a normal thing for us, he is one of the biggest in the world today.

"I don't need to give him any extra advices. We won't change who we are. He will be facing a tough challenge against (Barcelona defender) Ronald Araujo and I think it's going to be a fun one. I hope he wins."

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez agreed with Ancelotti on Vinicius and said that his side would be underdogs in Thursday's clash in Madrid. Agencies

Also Read:  LaLiga files legal complaint after Vinicius gets racially abused

Also Watch: