A significant reason for Real Madrid’s failure to secure a major trophy last season was the alarming decline in form of their key forward, Vinicius Junior.
After being a contender for the Ballon d’Or while helping Los Blancos clinch both the Champions League and La Liga in the 2023-24 season, the Brazilian struggled to find his rhythm as Madrid finished the campaign trailing behind their Catalan rivals, Barcelona, marking the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure.
New manager Xabi Alonso expressed his pleasure at seeing the Brazilian winger return to form as Real Madrid prepares for their Club World Cup last-16 match against Juventus on Tuesday.
Should the 24-year-old regain his lethal touch, combined with Kylian Mbappe’s anticipated comeback from a stomach bug, Madrid will possess the offensive strength necessary to clinch the title.
Vinicius showcased his talent by scoring and assisting Fede Valverde with a clever backheel in Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Salzburg, which secured their position at the top of Group H and allowed them to dodge a confrontation with the formidable Manchester City in the United States.
“I’m really pleased because Vini, like any striker, required that goal,” Alonso noted.
The forward is currently embroiled in negotiations regarding a new contract with Real Madrid, with his existing deal running until 2027.
“I hope to remain here for many years. I’ve always said this is the club of my dreams,” Vinicius stated earlier this week.
“I’m very content with the coach and all the staff, and I hope to continue here.”
Real Madrid need their forward partnership to flourish, especially with last summer’s standout signing Mbappe, while ensuring the team’s defensive stability remains intact.
As Los Blancos prepare to go up against Juventus in Orlando, they are keen to progress to the quarter-finals, potentially strengthened by the return of superstar striker Mbappe, who might finally team up with Vinicius under Alonso’s management.
Mbappe, who missed all three group stage matches due to acute gastroenteritis and subsequent hospitalisation, has returned to training regularly.
The Spanish coach is confident in their compatibility, despite initial difficulties when Mbappe first joined, as both players tended to occupy similar areas of the pitch.
Mbappe hit his stride by the end of the season, finishing with an impressive total of 43 goals across all competitions, whereas Vinicius managed 22 goals without reaching his typical level of performance.
“They can definitely work together, with Vini playing out wide and Kylian cutting inside… it’s not mutually exclusive; they both have exceptional skills, but we need the team to function as a whole,” emphasised Alonso.
‘Making Sacrifices’
Alonso has made it clear that every player in the Real Madrid starting XI must contribute to defending.
Last season, Ancelotti often featured Vinicius, Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes together, which exposed Madrid’s defence.
“What I firmly believe is that we need everyone to contribute defensively – all 11 players on the pitch must be involved in that aspect,” stated Alonso prior to the Salzburg encounter.
The coach was particularly impressed with Vinicius’ dedication on the defensive front against the Austrians.
“Beyond the goals, I was thrilled with his effort,” Alonso added.
“He contributed defensively, made sacrifices, stayed engaged with the team, and didn’t lose focus, which is very important to me.”
Alonso will be counting on Vinicius to maintain that level of commitment as Mbappe gets set to make his return, potentially coming off the bench against Juventus.
Although the Alonso era is just beginning, the matchup against Juventus and a possible quarter-final showdown with Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey will serve as an early test of the coach’s ability to utilise both star players effectively.
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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