Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport, Van der Vaart expressed his deep frustration with Vinicius after Real's 2-1 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. Despite acknowledging the 25-year-old's obvious talent, the former Netherlands international admitted he finds it difficult to even watch the winger play due to his perceived theatrics.
In a blunt critique of the Brazilian's style, Van der Vaart said: "Vinicius is horrible. He annoys me to no end when I see him. I find it incredibly sad because he's a fantastic player. But as soon as he gets a little push, he throws himself down, hoping to see a red card for the opponent, and then gets up as if nothing happened. That's the part that I find sad about him."