Maniche (full name Nuno Ricardo de Oliveira Ribeiro), a former Porto and Portugal midfielder (52 caps, 7 goals), spoke to Le Parisien about Vitinha. The man who won the 2004 Champions League praised his compatriot, even mentioning an aspect he would have liked to steal from him.
Maniche: “At the moment, he’s the ball’s best friend”.
“What fascinates me most is his serenity with the ball and his maturity. I would have loved to have had the same simplicity in my game as the way he gets rid of his opponents in tight spaces. He’s indispensable. Some players shine for their goals, others for their influence. Vitinha is such a player. He has a subtle influence on the game. At the moment, he’s the ball’s best friend.
Indeed, after a somewhat complicated start with Paris Saint-Germain, Vítor Machado Ferreira (nicknamed Vitinha) has enjoyed a meteoric rise to become one of the best midfielders in the world. Some of the world’s top clubs are reportedly keen to sign him.
We can see here that even a midfielder who has made history can envy him a certain quality. Although it’s worth pointing out that Maniche’s ability to get out of pressing was not his greatest asset (unlike a Xavi or Iniesta, for example). But that’s Vitinha’s style, and he’s a master of the ball in midfield. Without forgetting to defend with intelligence and determination, and to score a few important goals.
Very much in the limelight last season and this year too, he is set to become a key player for the Rouge et Bleu following his extension a few months ago until June 2029! In the meantime, we hope that he will leave his mark on history this Saturday in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.
