Although Carlos Vinicius has not been able to get consistent minutes with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, the Brazilian striker has managed to make a joke out of the UEFA Europa League.

'El Boliche', who has played in seven European games this season, is leading Spurs to the last 16 of the competition.

The Brazilian striker has recorded six goals and three assists in seven UEFA Europa League appearances this season, including a brace in Tottenham's round of 32-second leg fixture against Wolfsberger AC.

He only trails SL Benfica's Pizzi Fernandes (7) in the competition's leading scorer table.

Effective

Vinicius does not speak a word of English, but that has not affected the chemistry with his teammates, as he has fit really well into Jose Mourinho's locker room.  

The Portuguese manager brought Vinicius on loan to reduce the load on Harry Kane, and so far seems like his decision is working. 

This season, the 25-year-old striker has played 17 games across all competitions, which has helped Kane rest despite the tough calendar Premier League teams have. 

Game Analysis

What makes Vinicius so effective is not only the way he's able to play with his back to the goal but also his movement all over the last third of the pitch. 

Last season at Benfica, Vinicius was the top scorer in the Primeira Liga, averaging a goal or an assist every 79 minutes. Now, despite being in a different country he doesn’t seem to be slowing down, becoming one of the most useful strikers in Europe.

“He’s been waiting for his opportunity and we’re all happy for him,” Harry Winks said of Carlos Vinicius during the group stages. “He’s a positive guy, always smiling, he works hard and to come in and score as a striker that’s all they want.”