Xabi Alonso ‘on the ropes’ at Real Madrid as Vinicius Jr puts up record numbers despite decline under new manager

Vinicius Junior’s role at Real Madrid has taken a surprising downturn under Xabi Alonso, but the Brazilian forward has responded in spectacular fashion. Despite starting fewer games and spending more time on the bench than ever before, he’s producing record-breaking numbers by his own standards – proving his worth even as pressure mounts on Alonso amid questions about team balance and results.Vinicius Junior’s role at Real Madrid has taken a surprising downturn under Xabi Alonso, but the Brazilian forward has responded in spectacular fashion. Despite starting fewer games and spending more time on the bench than ever before, he’s producing record-breaking numbers by his own standards – proving his worth even as pressure mounts on Alonso amid questions about team balance and results.

Vini Jr’s upturn in stats this season

Vinicius’ prominence at Real Madrid has declined noticeably since Alonso’s arrival, with the forward starting fewer matches and seeing reduced minutes. He has been benched twice this season – against Real Oviedo and Marseille – and has completed the full 90 minutes in just three games so far, against Levante, Atletico Madrid, and Villarreal. This represents a sharp contrast from last season under Carlo Ancelotti, when Vinicius started all 58 matches he played and was rarely substituted.

Despite the dip in playing time, Vinicius has refused to let his influence fade. In just eight league appearances, he has recorded four goals and four assists – his best-ever return to this point of a season since joining Real Madrid in 2018. He has been directly involved in goals in nearly every La Liga outing so far, opening the scoring in key wins and producing decisive moments even when starting from the bench.

Notably, his efficiency in front of goal and creative output have never been better. Across all competitions, Vinicius is averaging a goal or assist every 77 minutes, smashing his previous best of one every 96 minutes during the 2022-23 campaign. Against Villarreal, he became the first player in Europe’s top five leagues this season to register five or more shots, five or more chances created, and five or more successful dribbles.