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As the world of football buzzes with excitement, two Brazilian stars are under the spotlight: Vinicius Junior and Raphinha. Both players have made significant impacts in their respective clubs but what about their records on the international stage? With Neymar's absence due to injury, the attacking mantle falls heavily on these two players' shoulders. But who has truly performed better for the Selecao?
Despite being hailed as one of Europe’s rising stars, Vinicius Junior has been surprisingly inconsistent for Brazil. His international record since debuting in September 2019 shows that he has found the net only five times in 37 appearances. This puts him in 10th place in Brazil’s all-time goalscoring chart since his entry into the senior team. While his contributions at Real Madrid have been notable—scoring key goals in Champions League knockout rounds hitting the heights of European football—his effectiveness in international competitions raises eyebrows.
In contrast, we have Raphinha, who, despite having fewer appearances—31 as of now—has managed to net 10 goals for Brazil. This impressive tally underscores his pretty remarkable scoring rate compared to Vinicius. The Leeds United star turned Barcelona sensation has not only been vital for his club but has also emerged as a significant player for the national team, doubling Vinicius' goals. Raphinha's journey to the top might have taken longer, but he is currently showing prolific form that cannot be ignored.
Let’s break down the statistics and see how they compare:
| Statistics | Vinicius Junior | Raphinha |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 37 | 31 |
| Goals | 5 | 10 |
| Assists | 5 | 6 |
| Penalties | 1 | 2 |
| Minutes per goal | 463 | 215 |
| Minutes per non-penalty goal | 578 | 268 |
| Minutes per goal or assist | 231 | 134 |
From the statistics, it's clear that Raphinha is currently dominating the stats when it comes to scoring and assisting. His minutes per goal or assist is nearly half that of Vinicius, demonstrating his impact on the game. The forward from Barcelona has not only increased his scoring options but has also proven to be a reliable playmaker, providing crucial assists when needed.
Furthermore, with Neymar sidelined and aiming for a comeback in the World Cup, Vinicius and Raphinha will be tasked with leading Brazil's attack against tough opponents including Colombia and Argentina. The pressure is mounting on both players, and their performances could shape the Selecao's fate in the upcoming qualifiers.
In summary, while Vinicius Junior is a talent adored by fans across the globe, his international record paints a troubling picture. Raphinha, on the other hand, is taking his chance and becoming a key player for the Brazilian national team. It will be interesting to see how both players will rise to the occasion as Brazil pushes towards World Cup qualification. Who will seize the moment and take the lead in the attack? Only time will tell, but for now, Raphinha appears to be edging ahead.
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