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Football

21st Mar 2022

Eric Garcia mocks Vinicius Jr about Ballon d’Or chances during El Clasico win

Daniel Brown

‘You’re gonna win the Ballon d’Or next season?! The Ballon d’Or?’

Eric Garcia appeared to mock Vinicius Jnr’s Ballon d’Or credentials during Barcelona’s 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid in the El Clasico on Sunday night.

The Brazilian winger is tipped to become one of the best players in the world and collect several individual accolades – including the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

Having scored 17 goals and bagged 14 assists in all competitions for Carlo Ancelotti’s side so far this season, the 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign at the Bernabeu.

Despite his magnificent form, the youngster failed to impress against Barcelona at the weekend, which led to former Manchester City defender Garcia making it clear that he wasn’t impressed by the Madrid man.

After Vinicius Jnr was knocked off the ball by substitute Adama Traore towards the end of the match, Garcia pointed at the Brazilian forward and sarcastically shouted: “You’re gonna win the Ballon d’Or next season?! The Ballon d’Or?”

The Spaniard’s words did not come back to haunt him as the Catalan giants kept a clean sheet in comfortable fashion.

Xavi’s men ran riot at the Bernabeu thanks to a brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and goals from Ronald Araujo and Ferran Torres.

Garcia was not the only one to poke fun at Vinicius on Sunday, with Barcelona pointing out his shortcomings on Twitter mid-game, tweeting: “Check Araujo’s pocket”.

Prior to the El Clásico, Vinicius Jnr had been involved in at least one goal in each of his previous four league matches.

Since signing for Madrid in 2018, the Brazilian has registered 31 goals and 37 assists in 157 appearances.

Despite suffering defeat to Barcelona, Ancelotti’s side remain nine points clear of second-placed Sevilla – with Xavi’s men climbing to third position, ahead of Atlético Madrid.

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