Who is Carlos Vinicius, What Can Tottenham Fans Expect?

Carlos Vinicius was likely a relatively unknown Brazilian striker before popping up on the Tottenham transfer radar, so what can Spurs fans expect from Vinicius?

Tottenham have spent years looking for cover and competition for Harry Kane and have had nothing to show for it following the departure of Fernando Llorente after the Champions League Final loss to Liverpool in Madrid. This past summer, as Jose Mourinho convinced Daniel Levy to go on a shopping spree, Tottenham may have finally found their man to aid Kane in Carlos Vinicius on loan from Benfica.

Vinicius was signed on loan from Benfica with a purchase option, well short of £90 million being touted by Benfica President finally providing the cover long sought by Spurs. After a prolific season in Portugal for Benfica, the 25-year old Brazilian will be looking to make a name for himself as Carlos at the top level of the craft after a winding road to Tottenham.

Vinicius almost was not a top-level professional, having talent but being unable to put it altogether playing as a defender and midfielder for most of his youth. According to the Athletic, it was not until the big left-footer turned 20 – just five years ago – that he was tested as a striker by Marcos Valadares, his then coach at Palmeiras in Brazil.

By the end of the season Tottenham fans may be wanting to write thank you notes to Valadares for seeing something in Vinicius and making the move as clearly Mourinho saw enough to make a move for the Brazilian. So where did Carlos Vinicius come from and what can he bring to Tottenham Hotspur?

Carlos Vinicius’ Back Story

Even after that first taste of playing up front, it was not until 2017 while playing for Gremio Anapolis in Portugal that Vinicius got a real run as a striker. His play with Gremio Anapolis got him a shot with the larger Real Sport Club, where success – 20 goals in 39 games – and super-agent Jorge Mendes got emerging young talent purchased by Napoli for something near £3.6 million.

Yes, that is the same Jorge Mendes who is the agent for Tottenham coach Jose Mourinho, but before you think something is stinky here, Mendes as Vinicius’ agent only further solidifies his standing. Mendes is only an agent for the best, like Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, and James Rodriguez. With Mendes help Vinicius went on loan from Napoli – who did not seem to think he was refined enough – to Rio Ave in the Portuguese top division Primera Liga.

At Rio Ave Vinicius began to shine, with eight goals in just 14 contests, but a move midseason to Monaco stunted his growth as he began sitting behind Radamel Falco. After an uneventful time in Monaco, Vinicius was signed by Benfica and again began to shine. Just six minutes into his first match for Benfica Vinicius had scored and within months the club President was talking up this near £90 million buyout.

Carlos Vinicius by the Numbers

As we all know by now Vinicius went on to have an excellent season scoring 18 goals in league play – tops in the league – and 22 in all competitions on less than 2600 minutes. So efficient was Vinicius last season he averaged .91 goals per 90 according to infogol. If you include the 5 assists, he averaged 1.16 goals + assists per 90 minutes, which is an incredibly impressive total.

Over the last three seasons, in which he played for four different clubs, Vinicius consistently scored, putting in some 60 goals and 22 assists in just 123 games as a professional footballer according to transfermarket. While not as good as the average last season that is still .87 goals + assists per match. Considering Vinicius only averaged about 65 minutes per match across those 123 games the numbers are more staggering.

In league, Carlos scored his 18 goals on just 66 shots, with 27 of those on target. Those 18 goals were more than 5 above his expected goal output of 12.38 according to infogol. In other words, Vinicius scores both the goals he should as well as some where maybe he was not expected too.

Before Harry Kane made it seem like a good week, five assists from somehow who plays almost exclusively as a center forward is a good return. Even more importantly is the accuracy of play Vinicius demonstrates, with a passing completion percentage above 70. That may sound low in comparison to say a center-half or midfielder, but for a player who gets most of their touches in and around the box to complete such a high percentage of passes is impressive.

Many people say numbers do not lie and if that is the case, Tottenham Hotspur have got themselves something in Carlos Vinicius. Compared favorably to Robert Lewandowki and Sergio Aguero by the Athletic, how do all these statistics translate and what can Spurs fans expect from Carlos Vinicius?

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.