Portuguese midfielder Vitinha has revealed for the first time his experience playing with Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé at Paris Saint-Germain.
In an interview with Canal 11, he spoke about the extraordinary talent of these stars, but also highlighted the difficulties of balancing superstar players with the collective work of the team.
"It was a privilege to share the locker room and the pitch with them, and to learn new things. They are on a special, almost extraterrestrial level – they see things that we don't notice," Vitinha declared.
However, he was clear that having three of the best players in the world on the same team requires maximum commitment in the defensive phase from everyone.
"That doesn't mean it's always better for the team. Especially when there are three of them, it becomes difficult. Modern football is more competitive than ever."
"Any team fighting to avoid relegation knows how to organise itself and make life difficult for the opposition. That's why it's so difficult today to have one, two or three players who don't run or help the defence," he added.
Vitinha also highlighted the difference with the PSG team that later won the Champions League, focusing on the mentality of collective work over individual stars.
"You see the wingers running after the defender when we attack. You see Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos defending in our area and being the first to wait up. That made the difference."
"You can't have one, two or three players who don't run. Football today is about commitment, pressing and helping your teammates - even the best in the world," the Portuguese declared. /Telegraph/
