Vinicius Jr Praises New Tactical Style Under Xabi Alonso

Vinicius Junior is discussing the changes at Real Madrid following Xabi Alonso’s arrival and highlighting the importance of pressing the defenders. The forward says training has been tough under the new head coach, as players need to adapt to a style of play in which the team has to stay closer to each other than earlier seasons.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Vinicius Jr shared his views on the changes at Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso. “Pressing the defenders is key for us and for the coach,” he said. “He is telling us what to do day by day. It has been two very good weeks.” “Vinicius added that the team is playing closer to each other than in previous seasons which is a big change.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Real Madrid’s campaign has been a mixed one. Being an ambitious club, they are not only expected to fight for every trophy but are looked at as favourites in some. However, 2025 has been a tricky year for Vinicius and Co. as he has managed just six goals and five assists in all competition since the start of the year, which is quite below his usual standards. The winger did shine at the Club World Cup recently when he scored one goal and made another to help Madrid move into the Last-16 stage where they will face Juventus in the knockout round.

WHAT NEXT?

Xabi Alonso has started a very new project at Real Madrid and that will require everyone to adapt to their own roles and responsibilities. At Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi had been defensive and was using a back-five regularly. He is now adapting to Madrid’s tradition and playing in a traditional 4-3-3 formation. What happens here, is everyone is being drilled to attack as a unit. There is more pressing and more personnel who can join the attack. This may help Vinicius to prosper in a system where everyone gets a chance to be more involved, especially in the final third.

Vinicius Jr will hope to find his best form again and help his side to more trophies under Xabi Alonso. Though Real Madrid are not looking at the best group of players currently, they prefer quality over quantity and in Kylian Mbappe, they have got a future Ballon d’Or contender who is already making impacts.