Carlos Vinicius has left Tottenham fans thirsting for more after an impressive debut for the Lilywhites in their 3-0 win over LASK in the Europa League
Signed on loan from Benfica earlier in the months, Carlos Vinicius had to watch on from the substitutes’ bench on Sunday as Spurs drew 3-3 with West Ham.
Ignoring the temptation to start Harry Kane with the team not back in action, Mourinho settled on his new signing from the off against their Austrian opponents. Consequently, the coach was impressed by what he saw with the loanee Vinicius.
Lining up as the sole striker with Moura, Lamela, and Bale, the 25-year-old Brazilian had a chance to open his Tottenham account with nine minutes on the clock.
Matt Doherty floated a brilliant ball in from the right and Vinicius headed wide as he tried to be too precise in locating the far corner. While fellow strikers may have been playing the chance through their head, the Brazilian atoned for his wayward header when he teed up Lucas for the opener.
Making a clever run to collect Ben Davies’ lofted pass, Vinicius took the ball down and played a lovely pass across the box with his left foot. Thereafter, his fellow countryman found the net with a neat finish.
The fact that Vinicius registered 13 assists suggested he is so much more than just a goal-scorer.
More than a goal-scorer
In the second half, the Brazilian striker created several openings for his teammates with his selfless play and creativity.
Lamela became the first beneficiary as he fired wired after the striker held the ball up in the far corner and fired across a low pass to find him in the box.
Second-half substitute Dele Alli later had his chance to score from Vinicius good play before Son-Heung min ensured the new arrival went home with two assists as he netted after the striker once again picked him out with a glorious cushioned header.
Unfortunately, this turned out to be his last involvement in the game. Moreover, Mourinho admitted more is to come from his player when he spoke to the press conference after the game.
Mourinho said, “He played well but he can do better. He is a bit of a shame still. It is not easy not to speak English so the adaption to the group in spite of having amazing guys that try to make him feel well is not easy”.
“Different football, a different way to play, think, learning the way we press, the attacking movements. He is still in a learning process. Vinicius can be much more than this. But the first match I am really happy. The only thing that missing was a goal.”
“But we can see he is much more than, he is not selfish, he is a good target man, he can play with Harry Kane when his good period sets in”.
“I am very happy and the feelings over everyone in the squad are good towards him”.