Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has described Vinicius Junior as a “fundamental” and “decisive” figure for his team ahead of a crucial week featuring matches against Juventus in the Champions League and Barcelona in El Clasico.
The Brazilian forward was left out of the starting lineup for Madrid’s 2-0 win at Getafe on Sunday but made a major impact after coming off the bench, forcing two red cards from the hosts.
Despite his influence, it was the third time this season Alonso has opted to start without Vinicius, amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding his contract renewal.
“He’s a very good player,” Alonso said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “He’s fundamental for this team and for this squad. He is this season and he has been for a long time.
“He’s decisive, I like to see him smiling. We need him, focused on the game, on what he does well. The day-to-day is good and he’s responding well in games.”
Vinicius’ performance at Getafe sparked controversy when home coach Jose Bordalas accused him of mocking his substitution of Allan Nyom – who was sent off just 39 seconds after coming on – while defender Juan Iglesias claimed the forward showed a “lack of respect” toward opponents.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois came to his team-mate’s defence, insisting criticism of Vinícius is unfair.
“It isn’t easy,” Courtois said. “At 18 years old, a lot of people laughed [at Vinicius]. He didn’t do anything wrong at Getafe, and everyone is against him. They looked for him from the start, and he unsettled them.
“He had a good answer, he helped us to be dangerous, helped us score. People are unfair with him, he’s a great lad, he helps the team.”
Vinicius has registered five goals and four assists in LaLiga this season but continues to attract attention for his fiery clashes with opposition players.
He has also been the target of repeated racist abuse from rival supporters, with Spanish authorities investigating several cases as hate crimes.
“It isn’t always easy when a stadium targets you, when players hit you,” Courtois added. “He’s been improving, and I think if he’s learnt to live with conflict and unsettle opponents, that’s good. I had Diego Costa in my team [at Chelsea] and he was the best at that, he drove defences crazy.
“If Vinicius can do that, great. It’s important for us that he’s focused on the game, because he’s one of the best in the world.”
Alonso also provided injury updates ahead of the upcoming fixtures, revealing that Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal remain doubtful for the weekend’s trip to Barcelona, with final decisions expected on Saturday.
