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Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso, has described Vinicius Junior as a “fundamental” and “decisive” figure for his team ahead of a crucial week with matches against Juventus in the Champions League and Barcelona in the Clásico.
The Brazilian striker was left out of the starting lineup in Madrid’s 2-0 win at Getafe on Sunday, but made a big impact after coming off the bench, leading to two red cards for the hosts.
Despite his influence, it is the third time this season that Alonso has chosen to start without Vinicius, amid the uncertainty surrounding his contract renewal.
“He’s a very good player,” Alonso said in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “It is fundamental for this team and for this squad. It is this season and it has been for a long time.”
“He is decisive, I like to see him smile. We need him, focused on the game, on what he does well. The day-to-day life is good and he is responding well in the games.”
Vinicius’ performance in Getafe sparked controversy when local coach José Bordalás accused him of mocking his replacement of Allan Nyom, who was sent off just 39 seconds after coming on, while defender Juan Iglesias claimed the striker showed a “lack of respect” towards opponents.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois came to the defense of his teammate, insisting that criticism of Vinícius is unfair.
“It’s not easy,” Courtois said. “At 18, many people laughed (at Vinicius). He didn’t do anything wrong at Getafe and everyone is against him. They looked for him from the beginning and he worried them.
“He had a good response, he helped us be dangerous, he helped us score. People are unfair to him, he is a great boy, he helps the team.”
Vinicius has registered five goals and four assists in LaLiga this season but continues to attract attention for his fierce confrontations with rival players.
He has also been the target of repeated racist abuse by rival supporters, and Spanish authorities are investigating several cases as hate crimes.
“It’s not always easy when a stadium attacks you, when players hit you,” Courtois added. “He’s been improving, and I think if he’s learned to live with conflict and worry opponents, that’s good. I had Diego Costa on my team (at Chelsea) and he was the best at it, he drove defenses crazy.
“If Vinicius can do that, great. For us it is important that he focuses on the game, because he is one of the best in the world.”
Alonso also provided an injury update ahead of the upcoming matches, revealing that Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal remain doubtful for the weekend trip to Barcelona, with final decisions expected to be made on Saturday.
