Who is Carlos Vinicius, What Can Tottenham Fans Expect?
By Aaron Coe
Tottenham Expectations for Vinicius
Despite not playing striker for most of his life, there is no doubt that Carlos Vinicius is a striker with a poacher’s nose for goal. All 18 of Vinicius’ goals were scored inside the box during league play for Benfica last season. If you watch video highlights of Vinicius, what you see is a player with impeccable timing and a real nose for the ball.
At times it looks like a replay of a previous goal when Vinicius pops up at the far post to bury home the cross that no one else could get too. Considering the growing options for crosses from Spurs, having someone to bury home those opportunities is important. Much like Dele Alli at the top of his game Vinicius seems to have an instinct for when to break toward the net and finding his way to the ball and getting the ball in the goal.
Watching the highlights of goals and assists one thing that stands out is the consistent pressure and defense Vinicius faced in the Portuguese league. While a few of the goals were tap ins and one or two were breakaways, often Carlos was in the box fending on defenders for possession and calmly finding the net or an open man.
As a former defender Vinicius seems to know how to use his body well to shield the ball and keep himself between the ball and the opposition. With his large frame of 1.90 meters, seeing him on the ball will remind many of Mousa Dembele as he swats away opposition like flies. However, this is not a Peter Crouch 1.90 meters, as Vinicius is anything but slow.
Looking at the tape, you see a player with both quick feet and some bursts. The quick feet and burst are frankly reminiscent of Gareth Bale, but is not quite that explosive. His handles on the other hand are going to impress many and frustrate defenders. This footwork and speed combination should allow Vinicius to both beat defenders and create opportunities.
With an eye for the pass and a real football sense for what do with the ball, his play should compliment what Spurs have in the squad. If you add up the size, speed, balance, and control possessed by Carlos Vinicius and you end up with one potentially tremendous footballer. Able to play as a lone striker or even with Harry Kane, Vinicius adds more options for Mourinho and one Spurs fans are likely to enjoy this season and for several more beyond, as he plays his way into fans hearts and Levy’s checkbook.