Speaking in an exclusive interview with MARCA, former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Sami Khedira opened up on Vinicius Jr.’s Ballon d’Or miss while also giving the Brazilian advice on how he can reach the elite status in football.
Khedira, who spent five years at Real Madrid, opined that both Vinicius and Rodri, the eventual winner, were deserving of the Ballon d’Or honour this year.
“What a great debate… I was a midfielder, and I love Rodri’s football. And if you see how City is without Rodri, you realise his importance. I saw him play four matches in the Euro, and you can tell how he manages everything,” he began on Rodri.
“Then there is Vinicius, and he also deserves it. Vini changes games. When Madrid does not know what to do, they give the ball to Vinicius and it is over, he fixes it,” Khedira said on Vinicius.
Vinicius need to grow out of his angry attitude
However, Khedira did say that Vinicius must need to work on his attitude on the field and be more respectful towards his opponents and match officials, if he wishes to reach the elite level of players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
“He seems angry many times. Cristiano was a bit like that when he was young, but he changed quickly. If Vinicius wants to be like Messi, Zidane, Cristiano, or Xavi, he needs to be a little more respectful with the opponent, with the referees…,” said Khedira.
“That needs to change. But speaking of football, he is a number one, of course. I am not a big fan of individual awards, but I think both Rodri and Vini were the best this year.”
Continuing, he added: “If Vini changes a little and becomes more of a gentleman and a leader, he will win three or four Ballon d’Or awards.”
Khedira has some serious advice for Vinicius and Ancelotti. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
On Real Madrid missing Toni Kroos this season
Real Madrid’s season so far has not been the best, especially in Europe, with the team struggling in multiple aspects. One of the main reasons cited for their issues is the absence of Toni Kroos, who retired at the end of the season.
However, Khedira, while acknowledging the absence of his compatriot, insisted that there is more to Real Madrid’s problems than just Kroos not being around.
“It is too simple to say Madrid misses Kroos. He said he was leaving in May, so you had time. This summer, I spoke with Karanka, Moyes, and other coaches about Madrid, and we all agreed on one thing: the departure of Kroos cannot be solved with Mbappe.”
The former Real Madrid and Juventus ace added that the team needed to change their style following Kroos’ retirement and while they are working on it, Ancelotti needs to find the right balance.
“Everyone knew that the style needed to change, because you cannot replace Kroos with another player, because Toni is unique and was special for Madrid. And that was Ancelotti’s challenge: to change the style,” said Khedira.
“He had to adapt to the players and put them in the best possible position. And it was already clear on the first day of the Champions League against Stuttgart that they did not know what to do with the ball or how to defend.
The Clásico did not have a bad first half, but in the second half, the team’s balance completely broke down. He needs to balance the team, find the best positions for the players.”
Reiterating his point, Khedira further added: “And it is easy to say that Kroos is not there! But Toni is not here, and something has to be done.
“Madrid has many midfielders, and many of them are young. There are options, and they need to find the best connections between the players.”