Arya News - Vinicius Jr.’s on-field behaviour after being substituted out in El Clasico did not win him any supporters and has led to his actions coming under the spotlight more than ever.Questions are being as...
Vinicius Jr.’s on-field behaviour after being substituted out in El Clasico did not win him any supporters and has led to his actions coming under the spotlight more than ever.
Questions are being asked of his professionalism and leadership in the team for his threat to leave the team, and open gestures of anger towards Xabi Alonso have not gone down well.
Real Madrid are attempting to diffuse the tension, for it is in both Alonso and Vinicius’ best interest to put it behind them and move forward.
The numbers
As relayed by SPORT in a recent report, the numbers back Vinicius’ dissent and give him reason to be frustrated, albeit still not justifying his actions.
In the 18 games that Xabi Alonso has overseen for Los Blancos , the Brazilian has completed 90 minutes only four times – against Juventus in the FIFA Club World Cup and against Levante, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal in La Liga.
On three occasions he started on the bench and came on after the break while in the remaining 11, he was taken off the field after starting.
Vinicius is not enjoying the best of moments right now. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Statistically, he has only completed 90 minutes in 22% of Real Madrid’s games so far and the last time he saw a lower prominence was only back in 2020-21 when he was still seen as a prospect under Zinedine Zidane.
At that time, he completed 90 minutes in 14% of the team’s games.
Previous years have been different
Last season under Carlo Ancelotti, the player completed 90 minutes in 23 games, 45% of the team’s total. Even two seasons ago with injuries, he stood at 36% games completing 90 minutes.
A further aspect that infuriates the player is how Alonso does not hesitate to take him off before the 75-minute mark, for 7 of his 11 substitutions have come before the final quarter of an hour.
All that, coupled with the fact that Kylian Mbappe is barely ever taken off the field, only rubs salt on Vinicius’ wounds and it is clear that he is unhappy with his situation.
It is, however, in his best interest to understand that entitlement is earned and that it is not far off given how he is returning to his best.