Brazilian right-back Vanderson feels very much at home at AS Monaco these days and, looking to emulate compatriot Fabinho's success at the principality club, has made an excellent start to his time in Ligue 1 Uber Eats. Interview.
The fast technical 21-year-old is such an integral part of Philippe Clément's attack-minded team that it's hard to believe that just 12 months have passed since he sealed an €11 million move from Gremio to the Stade Louis II.
"I feel very good here. I've adapted well to the town and the culture. Everything is good. I feel happy in the dressing room. My teammates gave me a good welcome, and I'm sure that is one of the reasons why I settled so well in my first year," Vanderson told the Ligue 1 Show on beIN SPORTS.
'Such a warm welcome'
"I made a very positive start on the pitch, but I think that's also because of the environment at the club and the fact that I was given such a warm welcome. We went on a very good run after I arrived, winning nine games in a row, so I was pleased for myself, but also the team."
A versatile, dynamic player, Vanderson was initially used on the right side of midfield by Monaco's Belgian coach - and he immediately demonstrated his potency in the opposition box.
If Vanderson's first Monaco goal was special, his second evoked memories of Carlos Alberto's memorable goal for Brazil in the 1970 World Cup final.
"It's interesting that you ask me about this goal," smiled the Brazilian. "We had practised that move in the two previous training sessions. [Aleksandr] Golovin had the ball on the left, and I was on the other side of the pitch. He saw that I was making a run and played an incredible pass in behind. When the ball arrived I didn't hesitate in shooting and it went in. I was fortunate, but it was a big goal because it helped us to defeat Rennes, who are a strong team. And it helped us to realise our objective."
This season, the highly rated Brazilian has settled down and performed well in his preferred position of right-back.
"This has been my position since the start of my career and I feel good in this role," Vanderson explained. "One of my characteristics is my ability to attack, make runs and hurt the opposition in the final third - that's how I can help the team. I do my best to create or score goals whenever I can in order to help the team."
Already a crowd favourite, Vanderson is triggering memories of another Brazilian who played for Monaco both in midfield and at right-back: current Liverpool star Fabinho.
"He's a brilliant player who can play both of these roles," said the awe-struck defender. "He can play in various positions. And when I joined Monaco, I came here hoping to follow Fabinho's path. He's somebody who inspires me through the great career he's having and through what he achieved with Monaco."
Everyone at Monaco will doubtless be hoping Vanderson enjoys similar success to Fabinho in the years to come.
