Vinicius Júnior’s Frustration is a Dilemma for Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of Real Madrid, is grappling with a complex issue involving Vinícius Júnior, and it’s not solely related to the recent exchange of words between the coach and the star player. The situation pertains to the tactical system Ancelotti has adopted to compensate for the absence of Karim Benzema and to maximize the potential of his midfield options, a system that doesn’t necessarily favour the immensely skilled 23-year-old winger.
While tactics employed by elite football teams are intricate and multifaceted, the essence of Madrid’s current setup involves deploying two strikers, Vinícius and Rodrygo. Depending on one’s interpretation, 20-year-old Jude Bellingham can be seen as performing a “False No. 9” role or occupying the tip of a four-man midfield diamond.
The critical point to comprehend is that such systems are dynamic. Some player movements are choreographed and intertwined, while others involve instinctive sprints or positional adjustments. This intricate interplay is a consequence of having several world-class footballers in the same lineup.
During the club’s friendly matches in various locations this summer, as well as their La Liga victories over Athletic Club and Almeria, Vinícius appeared less effective and comfortable when positioned centrally. In contrast, he demonstrated greater impact and threat when positioned on the left wing, where he is often marked by a single opponent, typically the rival right-back.
When situated on the touchline, Vinícius often receives the ball and turns with more space, enabling him to accelerate, force defenders into difficult choices, and capitalize on their reactive positions or confront them head-on while maintaining momentum.
However, his involvement is less advantageous when partnered with Rodrygo in the centre, where he frequently faces dual centre-back marking and receives the ball in confined spaces with his back to the goal. The quality of possession tends to be lower than when he operates on the wing, although there are collective positives in the current system.
Bellingham, the emerging English talent, has demonstrated his aptitude for entering goal-scoring positions effectively. This was evident in his goal during the recent victory, which showcased his well-timed run into the box, met with a precise Toni Kroos cross.
Although Bellingham’s success underscores the system’s effectiveness for the team and his contribution, it inadvertently diminishes Vinícius’ influence, primarily due to his adjusted position. Ancelotti, however, chose to address this matter directly with Vinícius during the Almeria match, offering guidance on the player’s decision-making and possession retention when overlapping full-back Fran García ventures forward.
Ancelotti’s management style involves allowing democratic ideas in training but maintaining an autocratic stance during matches. He emphasized the importance of intelligent possession retention to prevent defensive vulnerability due to isolated runs by Vinícius into crowded areas.
The issue isn’t the momentary exchange between coach and player but the challenge of maintaining Vinícius’ impact in his new role. His frustration could lead to riskier attempts to create game-changing moments, potentially deviating from the tactical maturity he developed under Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Benzema’s mentorship.
The partnership between Vinícius and Rodrygo also poses difficulties. Rodrygo’s instinctive movements often occur at a distance from Vinícius, affecting the connection and cohesion required for a centre-forward partnership. Despite these obstacles, Guti, an ex-Madrid player, believes Vinícius will adapt over time.
As Ancelotti and Vinícius work through this dilemma, Madrid aims to compensate for Benzema’s absence, emphasizing the transition from Vinícius’ former wide role to a more central one. This phase of development might be crucial for Vinícius’ evolution as he navigates the challenges posed by his new position while preserving his dynamism and impact.
