“He’s dragging the team back”, “Not good enough” - Fans unhappy with Real Madrid star in Brazil starting line-up vs Paraguay at Copa America 2024

Fans are unhappy with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior being named in Brazil's starting XI against Paraguay in Copa America 2024. This group-stage clash is currently taking place at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.

The Selecao Canarinho, along with Paraguay, Costa Rica, and Colombia have been placed in Group D for this year's tournament. Vinicius, who made his senior debut for Brazil in 2019, has netted three goals and provided five assists in 31 appearances for his nation.

Fans took to social media to express their opinions on head coach Dorival Junior's decision to include the Real Madrid star in the starting line-up against Paraguay. While some fans questioned the coach's choice, others criticized Vinicius Junior's potential contribution in the game and believed there were better players for the position.

Here are some of their reactions on X:

One fan wrote:

"If Brazil wants to win, they should bench Vincius or whatever and put him on the bench. It's obvious he's dragging the team back and is not needed. Brazil needs a leader, he's not one. My humble opinion."

Another added:

"shouldve replaced vini instead of raphinia, bias aside, vini is a great player but not good enough for brazil given his form."

"No matter how Vinicius plays they still play him but whenever Brazil underperforms it’s Raphinha’s name that holds the load," another fan chimed in.

One account posted:

"So unfair on Raphina when Vini can have stinker after stinker without reprocraution."

Another said:

"AND VINI PLAYS ? 😂😂😂"

"lol the coach is not serious," posted another.

One user wrote:

"Madrid PR is insane, Vinicius hasn’t scored a single goal for more than a year and he still starts."

While another added:

"Vinicius Jr has been trash so far at the Copa America. I don't think he deserves the balon d'or playing like that for Brazil."

The Selecao Canarinho kicked off their Copa America 2024 capaign with a goalless draw against Costa Rica on June 24.

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Neymar snubs Real Madrid forward while naming Brazil's most important Copa America player

Neymar recently chose Rodrygo as Brazil's key player at Copa America 2024 over his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior. The former Barcelona icon spoke about both players in an interview with ESPN:

"Brazil's key player? For me, I think it's Rodrygo. Vini [Vinícius] will play everything he knows but I think Rodrygo is very different. He's a star and the no. 10 shirt will definitely bring him a lot of luck."

As of writing, Brazil are drawing 0-0 with Paraguay after 35 minutes of play. They will face Colombia in their last group stage match on July 2 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The Colombians are currently topping the group with six points.