Vinicius Key For Brazil, Says Ancelotti

Attacker has underachieved for the Selecao but shone at Real under new national coach

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SAO PAULO - Brazil must help Vinicius Jr rediscover the form he has displayed at Real Madrid, new national team coach Carlo Ancelotti said on June 4.

Ancelotti, who guided the Spanish giants to several titles alongside the Brazilian forward, including two Champions League triumphs and two La Liga crowns, said that the player's unique ability to unsettle opposing defences made him a vital asset.

"I don't know if he's been at his best here, but he has time to do what he does at Real Madrid," he said ahead of Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on June 5 (June 6, Singapore time) - his first match in charge of the Selecao.

"For us, he's a fundamental player. We have to work to ensure he performs at his best here."

Vinicius made his World Cup debut in Qatar in 2022 and has been a regular during their qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament. However, the 24-year-old has struggled for form with the national team, falling short of his usual standards at Real.