Alonso Praises Vinícius Júnior Ahead of Madrid Derby
In a recent press conference, Xabi Alonso expressed his delight in seeing Vinícius Júnior showing joy on the pitch, especially following the forward’s stellar performance in Real Madrid’s 4-1 triumph over Levante. This display comes as the team gears up for the vital Madrid Derby on Saturday. Despite Vinícius not being a guaranteed starter under Alonso—having been benched in two of the team’s seven matches this season—his recent form has been noteworthy.
Current Standings and Rivalry Context
Heading into the derby at the Metropolitano Stadium, Real Madrid stands at the pinnacle of the LaLiga table, having secured victory in all six of their matches thus far. In contrast, their rivals Atlético Madrid have had a rocky start, salvaging a tense 3-2 victory against Rayo Vallecano with a late comeback midweek, which places them nine points behind.
“Vini is a fundamental player for us. His performance against Levante was impressive, and I appreciated many aspects of his game. I truly enjoy seeing him smile.”
Last season, the rivalry between these two clubs resulted in two draws, each ending at 1-1. Their encounters also included a Champions League showdown, where Real Madrid emerged victorious after a tense penalty shootout in the Round of 16.
Atlético Madrid’s Squad Changes and Preparation
Atlético Madrid has revamped its squad significantly, bringing in eight new players during the summer transfer window, including talents like Álex Baena, Johnny Cardoso, and Thiago Almada. However, they have only managed to win two of their six games in LaLiga to date.
When asked how he prepared for the derby, Alonso indicated that his focus was primarily on recent performances rather than last season’s encounters. He remarked,
“Atlético continuously evolves, and they’ve made some smart adjustments this year with several excellent players joining the team. It’s early in the season, and they continue to have aspirations to compete at a high level. They are a dynamic team that plays with great energy and demands a quicker pace.”
Maintaining Consistency and Player Updates
Despite their unbeaten run, Alonso warned his players not to become complacent.
“Consistency is key, and while winning games can accumulate points, relaxation could lead to mistakes,”
he cautioned. He emphasized the need for Madrid to maintain versatility in their play and adaptability, stating,
“We need to be unpredictable with the ball, and our performance off the ball has improved.”
In addition, Alonso confirmed that midfielder Jude Bellingham could potentially feature in the starting lineup. After a brief appearance against Levante, Alonso noted,
“Bellingham possesses the ability to contribute in both build-up and finishing phases, and he’s progressing by training and increasing his minutes on the field. Unlike other players who might be more static, Jude’s dynamic nature is a great asset for the team.”
