Xabi Alonso's Experiment: Vinicius Jr. Shifts Position in New Real Madrid Era

In a recent friendly match, Real Madrid and new coach Xabi Alonso unveiled a starting lineup that raised eyebrows. While the presence of stars like Mbappé and Gonzalo in attack was expected, the most surprising move was Vinicius Jr.'s placement on the field.

Despite some doubts about his guaranteed spot, Xabi Alonso not only started Vinicius but deployed him on the right wing, an unusual position for the Brazilian, who is known for his explosive play on the left flank. This tactical shift was made to accommodate Mbappé on the left and Gonzalo as the central striker, allowing all three attackers to operate in their preferred roles.

A Tactical Test with Mixed Results

This decision by Xabi Alonso appears to be a tactical experiment to find the optimal position for Vinicius. However, in the match, the Brazilian's performance on the right was not what fans have come to expect. It's widely known that Vinicius is not as unbalancing or effective on the right wing as he is on the left.

Despite this initial test, the Basque coach is expected to continue experimenting with his lineup in future friendlies, such as the one at the Tivoli Stadion Tirol, with a formation likely to resemble the one that will debut at the Santiago Bernabéu against Osasuna.

The Key to Unlocking Vinicius's Full Potential

If Xabi Alonso stops moving Vinicius around and allows him to settle into his natural position on the left, the Brazilian could reach an even higher level. With the confidence and consistency of playing in his usual spot, Vinicius would enhance his dribbling, goal-scoring ability, and assists. This would not only benefit the team by giving them a more defined and lethal attack but also enable Vinicius to solidify his place in club history, leaving a mark with his talent and establishing himself as one of the world's best players.