‘Best I’ve ever faced’ – Real Madrid star Vinícius sends message to Man City’s Kyle Walker | OneFootball

Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. this weekend moved to reiterate his appreciation for the talents boasted by Manchester City defender Kyle Walker.

As much, of course, comes after the pair locked horns on the pitch for the latest time on Saturday night.

Ahead of England welcoming Brazil to Wembley for a high-profile friendly clash, much of the chatter surrounded the impending battle between Vinícius, and Walker.

The duo, considered as being amongst the best in world football in their respective positions, have pitted their talents against one another on a number of occasions over recent seasons, in the Champions League.

And their early battles at Wembley again proved a sight to behold, en route to Brazil’s eventual 1-0 triumph.

Unfortunately, however, the spectacle on England’s right flank was cut short inside the first-half on Saturday, upon Walker going to ground with what appeared to be a muscular issue.

Quickly hauled off by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, it is now unclear whether the explosive defender will be available for the latest edition of the Man City vs Real Madrid rivalry, set to play out in just a couple of weeks’ time.

Speaking to the media in the aftermath of his side’s victory in London, the subject of Walker’s fitness blow was in turn put to adversary Vinícius.

And the 23-year-old was class personified in his response, wishing the Englishman the best, before labelling Walker ‘the best defender I’ve ever faced’:

“It’s very sad,” Vinícius began, as cited by the Metro. “Every time a player leaves the pitch injured it’s very sad, not only for the player but for all of us who are there on the pitch.

“We want to play against the best. Walker, I always say, he’s the best defender I’ve ever faced and it’s always a very good duel.

“He respects me a lot and I respect him a lot. Each one defends their side with the greatest will in the world.”

Conor Laird | GSFN