In a season already marked by near-flawless results, Real Madrid`s recent demolition of Levante served as a poignant reminder: even when questions linger, some players are destined to provide the answers with unparalleled flair.
The Unspoken Challenge: Vinicius Jr.`s Redemption Arc
Real Madrid, under the astute guidance of Xabi Alonso, has been on an impressive trajectory. Seven victories in as many matches speak volumes, yet whispers persisted. The narrative often centered on the impenetrable defense and the clinical finishing of Kylian Mbappé. But for Vinicius Jr., the storyline had taken a slightly more complicated turn.
Having been benched twice in the last six fixtures and experiencing a rare three-match scoring drought, a silent, almost existential question hung in the air: was Vini Jr. still the indispensable wizard of old? It`s a testament to modern football`s relentless scrutiny that even a talent of his caliber faces such queries after a momentary dip. But as any seasoned observer knows, true class is often revealed not in perpetual brilliance, but in the response to adversity.
On Tuesday, against newly-promoted Levante, Vinicius Junior chose his response carefully: with a ball at his feet, and a goal in his sights. The 28th minute saw a moment of pure, unadulterated artistry – an outrageous trivela finish that bisected two defenders and left the opposing goalkeeper, Mathew Ryan, rooted to the spot. It wasn`t just a goal; it was a statement. A vivid, emphatic declaration that the magic was not merely present, but perhaps even more potent after its brief, much-debated hiatus.
His impact wasn`t confined to a solitary moment of individual brilliance. Later in the half, Vini Jr. transitioned from scorer to provider, expertly setting up Franco Mastantuono. The Argentine`s goal not only further cemented Real Madrid`s lead but also etched his name into the club`s history as its third-youngest scorer, a clear indicator of Xabi Alonso`s knack for nurturing nascent talent within a squad overflowing with established stars.
The Depth Dimension: A Luxury of Choices for Alonso
While Vinicius Jr.`s performance stole headlines, it merely highlighted a more profound truth about this iteration of Real Madrid: its extraordinary squad depth. Mbappé`s second-half brace against Levante further underscored the sheer firepower at Alonso`s disposal, but the true strength lies beneath the surface of the star-studded lineup.
Consider the curious case of Jude Bellingham. Arguably one of the game`s most influential midfielders, he entered the Levante match from the bench, slowly being integrated after summer shoulder surgery. For any other club, the absence of such a pivotal player from the starting XI would be a cause for concern, perhaps even panic. For Real Madrid, it`s merely an opportunity for others to shine.
This calculated patience with Bellingham has opened doors for talents like Arda Guler, the Turkish attacking midfielder, and the aforementioned Mastantuono. Both are staking legitimate claims for significant roles, fostering an internal competition that elevates the entire squad. This isn`t just about having backups; it`s about having potential starters ready to step up at a moment`s notice, ensuring the team`s high standards never waver, regardless of rotation or injury.
Xabi Alonso’s job, in this context, becomes less about finding solutions and more about managing an embarrassment of riches. As Real Madrid navigates a demanding schedule, with fixtures against formidable opponents like Atlético Madrid and Villarreal looming, intelligent rotation becomes not just a strategy, but an absolute necessity. The current form of key attackers like Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. provides the perfect canvas for such strategic management, allowing Alonso to keep his squad fresh, hungry, and relentlessly competitive.
Real Madrid: Contenders in Command, Potential Unlocked
To declare a team with a perfect record as not having “hit top gear” might seem like an exercise in hyperbole, or perhaps a touch of ironic understatement. Yet, in Real Madrid`s case, it rings true. The slow, deliberate integration of a fully fit Jude Bellingham, coupled with the blossoming contributions of young talents and the rekindled brilliance of players like Vinicius Jr., suggests that Los Blancos possess an even higher ceiling yet to be fully explored.
This is a team that isn`t just winning; it`s asserting control, managing resources, and developing future stars, all while maintaining an unblemished record. It’s a compelling blueprint for sustained success. As they approach potentially ten wins from ten matches, the declaration won`t just be about Real Madrid being “back”; it will be about them being unequivocally dominant, with Vinicius Jr.`s renewed vigor acting as a potent symbol of their ambition.
