Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso addressed questions about winger Vinícius Júnior’s role in his squad at the start of the 2025/26 season. Speaking to AS, Alonso emphasized that he knows Vinícius well, values him as part of the team, and underlined that every player has a chance to compete for a starting spot.“The season has just started. We really want to have a good year, and we have everything for this,” Alonso said.
When pressed specifically on whether he counts on Vinícius as a main figure, Alonso replied: “Do I count on Vinícius? I said earlier that the Club World Cup was held in special conditions, so the statistics should be considered with caution. All players are important to me, and everyone has a chance to start.” His words suggest he views Vinícius as a central part of the squad but also intends to foster competition for places, especially at the beginning of his tenure as Madrid’s head coach.
Alonso was asked directly if Vinícius would continue to be central to Madrid’s system: “Do I count on Vinícius? I said earlier that the Club World Cup was held in special conditions, so the statistics should be considered with caution. All players are important to me, and everyone has a chance to start.” He added: “The season has just started. We really want to have a good year, and we have everything for this.” The response reflects Alonso’s balance — acknowledging Vinícius’ talent while signaling that his managerial philosophy is built on fairness and squad competition.In the 2024/25 season, Vinícius played 58 matches, scoring 22 goals and providing 19 assists. He was directly involved in 41 goals — one of the highest contributions in world football.
His contract runs until 2027, and his market value stands at €170 million, according to Transfermarkt. This makes him not only one of Madrid’s most valuable assets but also one of the most expensive players globally. His pace, 1v1 dribbling, and ability to decide matches in big moments mean he remains indispensable, regardless of Alonso’s broader rotation policy.Alonso’s words highlight a clear theme: no automatic starters. While Vinícius, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham are expected to lead Madrid, Alonso wants to avoid a culture where names alone dictate the lineup. This approach has two purposes: Maintain intensity: players know they must perform in training and matches to secure their spot.
Encourage depth: Madrid’s long season, with La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and international duties, requires constant rotation. Even for Vinícius, this means proving himself week after week — though his record suggests he is well placed to meet the challenge.The bigger question is how Alonso plans to use Vinícius tactically alongside Madrid’s other stars: With Mbappé: Vinícius will likely continue as a left winger, with Mbappé operating centrally or drifting left. The pairing creates enormous problems for defenses — both players thrive in space and transitions. Alonso’s challenge is to ensure they complement rather than overlap.
With Bellingham: Bellingham’s role as an advanced midfielder adds another dynamic. His late runs into the box combine with Vinícius’ wide dribbling threat, creating a triangle of play between the left channel and the central attacking lanes. In possession: Expect Alonso to keep Vinícius wide to stretch defenses. His ability to beat defenders in 1v1 situations remains unmatched in Madrid’s squad. Out of possession: Alonso’s tactical discipline at Bayer Leverkusen suggests he will demand more defensive tracking from wingers. Vinícius will need to adapt to pressing schemes and compact defensive structures. In short, Vinícius will continue to be Madrid’s primary left-sided weapon, but with tactical tweaks designed to maximize chemistry with Mbappé and Bellingham.
Despite Alonso’s neutral tone, Vinícius is not just “another player.” His influence on Madrid’s attack is unique: No other player provides the same consistent 1v1 outlet. His direct style forces defenses to stay deep, creating space for teammates. He has developed consistency in finishing — 22 goals last season is proof. He delivers in big games, from Champions League knockouts to El Clásico. Even with Mbappé’s arrival, Vinícius offers qualities that cannot be replicated, making him non-negotiable in Madrid’s strongest XI.With Alonso beginning his first full season in charge, the expectation is for Madrid to compete for every trophy. Vinícius will be central to this mission:
In La Liga, he provides the unpredictability needed to break down low-block defenses. In the Champions League, his pace in transitions and composure in finals make him one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe. In squad dynamics, his experience since 2018 makes him a leader despite being just 25 years old. If he maintains last season’s numbers alongside Mbappé and Bellingham, Madrid’s attack could become the most feared in world football.
