Real Madrid’s new balance puts Vinicius under the spotlight, says Benito

Real Madrid have rediscovered the collective strength that had been missing earlier in the season, according to former club player and analyst Alvaro Benito, but Vinicius Junior must accept the team’s defensive demands if he is to fit into the side shaped by Xabi Alonso.

The victories over Barcelona at Camp Nou and Racing Santander at El Sardinero have convinced Benito that Real Madrid’s improvement is more than a short-term run of results. Speaking alongside former team-mate Rafael Alkorta on the El Larguero programme on Cadena SER, he described a significant tactical and mental change.

“I have not felt this way for a long time… the road is now clear,” Benito said.

A stronger collective

Benito believes the main difference is not the personnel but the team’s footballing identity. Real Madrid are now operating as a united group, defending with greater intensity, moving quickly from defence into attack and keeping possession more effectively when pressed.

He was particularly encouraged that this cohesion has emerged even without Fede Valverde, one of the side’s most important players. Benito said the balance had been improved by other members of the squad, with Bernardo among those providing qualities that had previously been missing in midfield.

“There is a sense of teamwork that we have never seen before,” he said. “The players who are best equipped to pass and solve complex problems are now being used.

“Even without Valverde, who gives you short and long passing options from the full-back position and the ability to break pressure, Bernardo has appeared to provide what the midfield lacked: the capacity to pause, turn and use intelligent dribbling to escape his marker. Above all, the team is now working hard.”

The next test comes in the Champions League against Greek side AEK Athens on 04 November 2026. Benito said Real Madrid had established a clear and effective style and needed to continue applying it.

Vinicius must meet the standard

That progress also raises an important question over how Vinicius Junior will be used when he returns. Benito said there was no doubt about the Brazilian’s ability, but his place in the current system could not be guaranteed simply because of his status.

Real Madrid’s improved structure requires every player to contribute defensively, meaning any return would have to be accompanied by a commitment to those responsibilities.

“Real Madrid have shown that they can win the ball back and launch devastating counter-attacks,” Benito added. “When they play quickly, recover possession and keep their shape, they become a team capable of anything. Now we will see what happens when Vinicius returns, and whether he accepts these new rules.”

Benito said competition for places should be based on performance rather than reputation. One possible solution for Alonso would be to use Arda Guler in a double-pivot alongside Tchouameni in La Liga, with Bernardo on the right and the impressive Diomande on the left.

“There are matches in which everyone can play, but the rule must be the same,” Benito said. “If everyone fulfils their defensive duties, we will then see who offers the most in attack and creates the chances. The competition must be fair. It has been a very long time since I felt that things were finally moving in the right direction.”