'Not even the best in Madrid' - Carlo Ancelotti dubs Vinicius Junior as best in the world after Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Liverpool

Vinicius Jr (left) and Carlo Ancelotti (right) (Source - Twitter)

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Vinicius Junior is the best player in the world after their 1-0 victory over Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. A second-half goal from Karim Benzema and a stunning display from Vinicius Jr. helped Madrid beat Liverpool 6-2 in their Champions League last-16 tie. Ancelotti's men knocked out the English club for the third time in a row as Madrid secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Vinicius produced another fine performance for the reigning Champions League holders. The 22-year-old assisted French striker Benzema to hit the winning goal in the 78th minute. After his stunning performance, Ancelotti hailed the Brazilian international as the best player in the world at the moment.

"For me, he's the best in the world. Today he didn't score, but he played very well and provided a goal. He has created danger every time he’s tried to go forward," said the former Italian footballer.

Do you agree❓ pic.twitter.com/MRFSQLQz4F

— 433 (@433) March 16, 2023

Vinicius equals Kylian Mbappe's record

Vinicius Jr. and PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe are the only two players to score and assist more than 10+ goals (13 goals and 10 assists) in the past three Champions League seasons.

Meanwhile, the Madrid forward dribbled Trent Alexander-Arnold more than six times - the most between the two players in the Champions League this week - during their clash on Wednesday night. The Brazilian winger has also dribbled past the England right-back 13 times in five games against Liverpool.

Madrid reached the last eight of the Champions League for the third season in a row. They will now face one of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Benfica, Manchester City, Inter Milan, AC Milan or Napoli in the quarter-finals.

Asked about the upcoming clash, Ancelotti said: “I don’t have any preferences (for the next round). The objective is to win the Champions League, and to do that you have to get past the quarter-finals, the semi-final and the final. I’m happy, Italian football has three teams in the quarter-finals. It’s a very positive sign for Italian football.”

Here's how Twitter reacted to Carlo Ancelotti's statement: 

Absolutely 💯

— 🅲🆁➐ (@tweetofthemin) March 16, 2023

He is not even the best attacker in Real Madrid

— 🎟️ (@totalasensioV2) March 16, 2023

One of the best.

But as a winger, he is the best.

— サッカーつぶやき@がんばらないネコ (@Ganbaranai_Neko) March 16, 2023

He is better than halaand and mbape !

— Dr Salam khattak (@Salaminho9) March 16, 2023

He deserves 👑 pic.twitter.com/cYRRqMNAw8

— 𝑹𝒊𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂👑🤍🇪🇸 (@MadridistaR0) March 16, 2023

Same here my favourite player in the world pic.twitter.com/XzaN10Z3Q9

— @Gasel'onenyoka Noqobo (@GOnenyoka) March 16, 2023

Agree! The boy is good! 💯💪

— Young 🇿🇦 (@Young52894491) March 16, 2023

not even the best in real madrid nor brazil

— spacecore (@no2weezerfan) March 16, 2023

Vini Jr is way too underrated. I mean, how did Benzema win the MotM yesterday? A game Vinicius dominated from start to finish? Vini should be Top 3 for Ballon D'or this year.

— Mel. (@MellyAttorney) March 16, 2023

Yes he is one of the best wingers in the world right now and he will win at least one ballon d'or.

— Κωνσταντίνος Α' Ο Απελευθερωτής 👑 (@Constantinos_A_) March 16, 2023