Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has clarified Vinicius Junior’s tactical role in his evolving setup, highlighting the Brazilian’s ability to operate both centrally and from the flanks, depending on the game scenario.
Vinicius, who has Cameroonian heritage, has been one of Madrid’s most dynamic attacking threats in recent seasons, typically playing as a left winger.
However, under Alonso’s guidance, his positioning appears more fluid, shaped by the demands of each opponent.
In Real Madrid’s recent victory over Juventus, Alonso explained that Vinicius was pushed wider to exploit space created by the Italian side’s defensive structure.
“It depends on the game. He can do both: inside and outside,” Alonso told reporters. “The second part of the first half was good and so was the second half.
“The space was on the outside and when we insisted on playing on the inside they were able to come out on the counter. We gave him width and for that we needed him on the outside.”
Alonso added that Vinicius read the situation well and adapted accordingly.
“He interpreted it well. The other day he gave us a lot of space on the inside. Juventus were quite deep and the space was more on the outside than on the inside.”
Vinicius’ versatility will be key to Alonso’s tactical plans as Madrid transition into the new season, balancing positional interchangeability with the forward’s individual brilliance.
