Real Madrid arrives with everything ready for the start of the season. The training sessions, preseason, and friendlies have served to get the team in shape. The squad is complete and the stars, such as Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, are already ready to shine.
However, not everything is calm at the club. Although the team looks strong, there are certain doubts about how the attacking pieces will be aligned. Mbappé's arrival has caused excitement, but also direct competition for Vinícius, who needs to show more than what he has shown lately.
Vinícius, in Mbappé's shadow?
Vinícius Júnior is undeniably one of Real Madrid's jewels. His speed, dribbling, and ability to unbalance have given the club many victories, but the preseason has left some worrying signs. The Brazilian hasn't performed at the level fans desired.
Now, with Mbappé in the squad, the pressure on Vinícius increases. The Frenchman arrives hungry for the spotlight and ready to become one of the leaders of the attack. This intensifies the competition for the left wing.
Vinícius knows that if he doesn't raise his performance, he could see his playing time reduced or be forced to adapt to another position. The fight to be a starter promises to be intense and will mark the start of the season.
Xabi Alonso makes decisions
Coach Xabi Alonso has the final say. According to reports in El Debate, it seems that his preference is to place Mbappé on the left wing, which complicates Vinícius's situation. If Mbappé takes that spot, the Brazilian would have to adapt to another position or accept being on the bench.
Xabi hasn't officially commented on the final line-up, but the signs show that the competition for the left wing will be fierce. Vinícius needs to adjust quickly or he could lose prominence at the start of the competition.
The pressure to show talent
For Vinícius, this season is crucial. It's not just about keeping his spot at Real Madrid, but about proving he can be decisive even with a competitor of Mbappé's caliber. The young Brazilian talent will have to show his best version in training and in the first official matches.
Healthy rivalry can be positive; having Mbappé by his side forces Vinícius to be faster, more efficient, and more creative. However, the pressure is also a psychological challenge. Adapting to new positions or accepting the bench temporarily can be difficult for any star used to always playing as a starter.