Raul praises Vinicius work rate in Real Madrid win over Inter Milan

Real Madrid legend Raul has praised Vinicius Junior’s defensive work in the club’s 2-1 Champions League win over Inter, while urging the winger to respond to the Bernabeu’s high expectations.

Vinicius was not at his sharpest in attack, but his willingness to track back and work for the side caught Raul’s attention.

“He was very committed defensively. He contributed a lot and defended like one of the team. He wasn’t quite at his best going forward and then Mourinho congratulated him,” Raul said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

The former Madrid captain also addressed the whistles directed at Vinicius during the game. “He has to know that the Bernabeu crowd is very demanding and always wants the maximum,” Raul said.

Rather than treating the reaction as a major concern, Raul backed the forward to recover his strongest form quickly. “He’s not at his best at the moment, but I’m sure that in one or two weeks he’ll be back at his maximum level. He’s a player who never gives up and always tries to be at his best,” he added.

Vinicius’s contribution against Inter showed he can influence matches beyond goals and assists. If he combines that commitment with his usual attacking edge, Madrid will have an even more complete weapon during the demanding weeks ahead.