Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior the ‘most destructive player’ in world football, says Michael Owen

Michael Owen has described Vinicius Junior as the “most destructive” player in world football.

The Real Madrid forward scored the winner in the Champions League final in 2022 against Liverpool and has followed that success with another impressive season.

Vinicius has scored 23 times in all competitions, frightening opposing defenders with his pace and trickery.

Contemplating the impact Vinicius has had on the global game, Owen said: “I think you could argue that he’s probably the most destructive player in the world.”

Joining Owen on BT Sport was Rio Ferdinand, who immediately responded: “More than Mbappe?”

“One of them!” Owen replied. “I mean Mbappe, him, there’s not that many people you would say would strike fear into players. When you’re going to bed before a game, you’re thinking ‘oh no, I’ve got to mark him tomorrow’, there’s not many players.”

With Mbappe brought into the conversation, Owen said the pair stand head and shoulders above any other attacking players.

“Even someone like Haaland. Of course, unbelievable player but I’m not sure you’d lose sleep. But people with pace like him [Vinicius Junior], and skill that can make you look silly, I think he’s so destructive,” he said.

While Owen suggested Vinicius is a unique talent to defend against, Joleon Lescott sees comparison with another global superstar.

“He’s replicating the form and the excitement of Neymar in his Barcelona era. He’s somebody that excites me.”