Rivaldo questions Xabi Alonso’s decision to substitute Vinicius Jr.

After the intense Clásico, Brazilian legend Rivaldo expressed his surprise at Xabi Alonso‘s decision to substitute Vinicius Jr. in the 71st minute. The 1999 Ballon d’Or winner highlighted that the Real Madrid forward was not only pivotal in the match but also currently holds the status of being one of the best players in the world. “A player like Vinicius, a treasure for Real Madrid, cannot be benched for seven matches in a row, especially not during a Clásico,” Rivaldo asserted firmly.

Vinicius Jr. showcased one of his finest performances in recent memory during this heated encounter. His flair, creativity, and relentless ambition were evident as he played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s attacking plays. The Brazilian’s explosive runs and intricate dribbles left Barcelona’s defense, particularly Jules Koundé, struggling to contain him on the right flank. Rivaldo’s critique comes at a time when Vinicius is trying to regain his form after a period of underwhelming performances.

Rivaldo’s Cautionary Advice

While Rivaldo’s comments were pointed, he also urged caution regarding Alonso’s management of star players. He emphasized that elite athletes thrive on confidence and warned against any potential deterioration in the relationship between Alonso and Vinicius as the season progresses. “The greatest players operate on trust, and it’s vital that this connection remains strong,” Rivaldo noted. He suggested that Vinicius’ substitutions might stem from Alonso’s desire to assert his authority within a locker room filled with prominent figures.

Comparative Analysis with Mbappé

The former Barcelona striker drew parallels with Kylian Mbappé, arguing that if Alonso intended to make a statement by substituting Vinicius, then similar treatment should have been extended to Mbappé, who has been instrumental for Paris Saint-Germain since returning from injury after the Club World Cup last August. “Both players are game-changers; they have the ability to turn matches around,” Rivaldo remarked. His insights underscore the delicate balance coaches must maintain when managing high-profile talents.

Despite his critical stance, Rivaldo advocated for open dialogue and reconciliation between Vinicius and Alonso, stressing their shared objective of winning trophies for Real Madrid. For a player so young yet already etched into the club’s history, Vinicius Jr. remains at the heart of Madrid’s ambitions, even amidst ongoing controversies surrounding his playing time.