Real Madrid News
Real Madrid feel star forward is getting affected by rough treatment from opponents
Vinicius Junior has been one of Europe’s finest wingers over the past couple of years, enjoying a rapid rise to prominence at Santiago Bernabeu. He is now considered one of the leaders of the Real Madrid frontline and could play a vital role for the club in the years to come.
However, Vinicius’ success has come with its consequences. In La Liga this season, he is the most fouled player in the league, receiving 3.4 fouls per game. In UEFA Champions League, the forward is fouled 1.8 times per game.
These are high numbers even for a player of his calibre and indicate the harsh treatment the defenders usually offer to the Brazilian international. He was recently subject to the same treatment by the Cadiz defenders in Real Madrid’s most recent matchup.
According to Diario AS, defenders fouling Vinicius Junior with such impunity is starting to affect the player’s state of mind. There is a feeling inside Valdebebas that they have also started to affect the player’s performances on the pitch.
The Real Madrid camp is also frustrated with the situation. They believe the recent game against Cadiz was an ideal example of how opposition players are dealing with the young forward. The situation has driven a lot of anger within the camp.
But Real Madrid have lost hope that the authorities will take any measures to change the situation. Vinicius’ camp also believes that the situation will not change and the player will continue to attract the attention of not only the players but also the referee.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana (h/t Madrid Zone), Real Madrid have two objectives for the upcoming summer transfer window. The centre-forward and the right-wing position are seen as the two positions to be reinforced but no decision has been made yet about making a move.
This comes over and above the Merengues’ pre-existing need for new midfielders and full-backs in the coming windows.
At first sight, it may appear that Los Blancos are well stacked in the final third. In Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema and Rodrygo Goes, they have three starting quality players who are well-complemented by the likes of Marco Asensio and Federico Valverde.
Yet, Vinicius is the only player on the aforementioned list who can boast of a starting role in a fixed position for at least the next decade.
There is worry over the centre-forward role considering Benzema’s lack of form and fitness throughout the current campaign. With the Ballon d’Or winner already 35, the club need a young reinforcement soon which is evident with the team’s struggle for goals this term.
Los Blancos have already invested heavily in Endrick in this regard. However, that has not stopped them from following established options like Dusan Vlahovic and Erling Haaland as their Brazilian wonderkid will not arrive until 2024.
The right wing is also understaffed despite the presence of young Rodrygo and Fede Valverde. The duo have no dearth of talent but have not managed to click on the wing as well as the manager would have liked.
Thus, it remains to be seen as to who the club targets to strengthen the wing and aim to stretch the play. Given the heavy investment planned for Jude Bellingham, a low-cost option is likely to be considered.
