Vinicius Jr is proving the critics wrong this season with his enhanced defensive contributions. The Brazilian winger, often scrutinized for his lack of pressing and recovery work during the previous campaign, is now making a strong case for his defensive prowess. While his dribbling and finishing may not have shone brightly during the match against Rayo Vallecano, statistics reveal a significant improvement in his game.
In that encounter, Vinicius emerged as the Real Madrid player who recovered the most balls on the pitch, with an impressive tally of seven recoveries—outperforming even his defensive counterpart, Carreras, who managed five. This season, Vinicius is averaging 2.4 recoveries per match, a notable increase from the 1.6 he recorded in the first nine games. The subsequent seven matches saw him elevate that average to 3.4 recoveries per game, marking a clear upward trajectory in his defensive statistics.
Resilience and Composure on the Field
Another aspect of Vinicius’s game that has seen marked improvement is his composure under pressure. Last season, he accumulated four yellow cards after just twelve matches, putting him at risk of suspension. This season, however, he has managed to keep his discipline in check with only two yellow cards so far. His ability to maintain control in hostile environments—such as those witnessed at Oviedo and Vallecas—is commendable. During a tense match this past Sunday, when taunted by opposing fans with chants like “You’re rubbish!” he responded with a smile and a playful “no, no, no.” Such reactions showcase his growing emotional maturity on the field.
A Balanced Approach to Intensity
If Vinicius can continue to balance intensity with emotional control, he has the potential to become an even more complete player. His evolution this season not only enhances his individual performance but also contributes positively to Real Madrid’s overall dynamics. As noted by AS this Thursday, Vinicius is regaining the defensive dimension that had waned last year; he is running more, pressing effectively, and recovering possession consistently.
The question remains: will this newfound approach endure amidst the inevitable pressures of high-stakes matches? As Vinicius continues to refine his game and adapt to challenges both on and off the pitch, fans will be eager to see how he develops further throughout the season.
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