Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has described Vinicius Junior as a “fundamental” and “decisive” figure for his team ahead of a crucial week with matches against Juventus in the Champions League and Barcelona in the Clasico.
The Brazilian forward was left out of the starting line-up during Madrid’s 2-0 win at Getafe on Sunday, but made a major impact after coming off the bench, earning the hosts two red cards.
Despite his influence, it was the third time this season that Alonso chose to start without Vinicius, amid continued uncertainty over his contract renewal.
“He’s a very good player,” Alonso said in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “He is fundamental for this team and for this team. He is this season and he has been for a long time.
“He is decisive, I like to see him smile. We need him, focused on the game, on what he does well. Daily life is good and he reacts well in matches.”
Vinicius’ performance at Getafe sparked controversy when local coach José Bordalas accused him of mocking replacement Allan Nyom – who was sent off just 39 seconds after coming on – while defender Juan Iglesias claimed the striker had shown a “lack of respect” towards his opponents.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois came to his teammate’s defense, insisting that criticism of Vinícius was unfair.
“It’s not easy,” Courtois said. “At 18, a lot of people were laughing [at Vinicius]. He has done nothing wrong at Getafe and everyone is against him. They looked for him from the start and he destabilized them.
“He had a good response, he helped us be dangerous, he helped us score. People are unfair to him, he’s a great boy, he helps the team.”
Vinicius has five goals and four assists in La Liga this season, but continues to attract attention for his fiery clashes with opposition players.
He has also been the target of repeated racist insults from rival supporters, with Spanish authorities investigating several cases for hate crimes.
“It’s not always easy when a stadium targets you, when players hit you,” added Courtois. “He improved and I think if he learned to live with conflicts and destabilize his opponents, that’s good. I had Diego Costa on my team. [at Chelsea] and he was the best at it, he drove defenses crazy.
“If Vinicius can do that, great. It’s important for us that he concentrates on the game, because he is one of the best in the world.”
Alonso also provided injury updates ahead of the upcoming matches, revealing that Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal remain doubtful for this weekend’s trip to Barcelona, with final decisions expected on Saturday.
