Real Madrid showed another side against Pachuca and managed to secure a very important victory thanks to the hard work and commitment of its players, who overcame the early sending off of Asencio. However, not all players reacted well, with Vinicius still failing to deliver what is expected of him.
Vinicius and the war on his own
Real Madrid found themselves in an alarming situation in their second match of the Club World Cup. After a draw on the first day, victory was a must for Xabi Alonso‘s team, and Asencio‘s sending off in the 7th minute set off all the alarm bells.
The team’s reaction was outstanding, with maximum commitment in every play to counteract the loss of a player. Everyone responded, except one, Vinicius, who continued to fight his own battle.
After the sending off, Xabi Alonso decided not to replace any of the remaining 10 players, opting instead to drop Tchouaméni back into defense and form a four-man midfield, with Vinicius on the left wing and Gonzalo up front, knowing that the youngster would spare no effort to help his teammates. However, despite instructions from the left wing, the Brazilian barely lifted a finger when it came to working for his teammates.
Once again, he was more concerned with his own game, where he was once again very individualistic and created little danger. In the second half, Xabi Alonso wanted to continue showing confidence in him, replacing Gonzalo—who was once again one of the best players on the field and instrumental in both first-half goals—to give him more freedom in attack. He had more of an impact on the game, with the spaces created by the Mexican players allowing him to develop his game, and although he looked more dangerous, his actions came to nothing.
Patience is running out
Many sectors of Real Madrid are beginning to tire of a Vinicius who does not seem to be able to get his head up. Last season, with the Ballon d’Or, the offer from Saudi Arabia, and the possibility of a contract renewal, the Brazilian was distracted and does not seem capable of regaining his form and is being scrutinized.
The board is also beginning to show signs of weariness with a player who is the center of attention, for better or for worse, and who in many sporting respects is doing more harm than good and dragging the team down.
Florentino Pérez’s decision
Florentino Pérez is well aware of the situation and could be considering some surprising scenarios: for the moment, the contract renewal that the Brazilian had been demanding is on hold and does not look likely to go ahead after the Club World Cup. As for a possible departure of the player, the board, led by the president, will not make a move and will let other players enter the scene, whether it be the player and his representatives, or a club that ventures to make a million-dollar offer for the player given the situation he is going through with his team.
Real Madrid has shown a different side, perhaps the first signs of change with Xabi Alonso, where play and commitment were the protagonists. However, with Vinicius, nothing has changed: same attitude, same flaws, and no sign of change. The Basque coach is pampering him and giving him confidence, but so far, in these first two games of the Club World Cup, the Brazilian has given no answers or reasons to suggest a change.