Xabi Alonso 'on the ropes' at Real Madrid as Vinicius Jr puts up record numbers despite decline under new manager

Vinicius' prominence at Real Madrid has declined noticeably since Alonso’s arrival, with the forward starting fewer matches and seeing reduced minutes. He has been benched twice this season - against Real Oviedo and Marseille - and has completed the full 90 minutes in just three games so far, against Levante, Atletico Madrid, and Villarreal. This represents a sharp contrast from last season under Carlo Ancelotti, when Vinicius started all 58 matches he played and was rarely substituted.

Despite the dip in playing time, Vinicius has refused to let his influence fade. In just eight league appearances, he has recorded four goals and four assists - his best-ever return to this point of a season since joining Real Madrid in 2018. He has been directly involved in goals in nearly every La Liga outing so far, opening the scoring in key wins and producing decisive moments even when starting from the bench.

Notably, his efficiency in front of goal and creative output have never been better. Across all competitions, Vinicius is averaging a goal or assist every 77 minutes, smashing his previous best of one every 96 minutes during the 2022-23 campaign. Against Villarreal, he became the first player in Europe’s top five leagues this season to register five or more shots, five or more chances created, and five or more successful dribbles.

Alonso’s cautious approach and tactical reshuffling have left Real Madrid struggling to find the attacking fluency that defined the Ancelotti era. The decision to rotate Vinicius more frequently - while possibly aimed at preserving his fitness - has coincided with inconsistent performances and growing scrutiny over Alonso’s management, with Marca claiming that the former midfielder is 'on the ropes'.

At the same time, Vinicius’ response to adversity has been exemplary, showcasing both professionalism and maturity. Rather than express frustration publicly, the Brazilian has let his football do the talking - turning limited opportunities into moments of impact that keep Madrid’s attack alive. His form has made it increasingly difficult for Alonso to justify leaving him out, especially as results remain uneven in both La Liga and the European competitions.

Alonso now faces the delicate challenge of reasserting control without alienating one of his key stars. Vinicius’ numbers make a compelling case for reinstating him as a guaranteed starter, but tactical adjustments and squad rotation may continue to define Madrid’s short-term strategy.

Vinicius’ output this season is not only a testament to his consistency but also a statistical peak that rivals the very best in Europe. His tally of eight goal contributions in eight league matches equals or surpasses his most productive starts to any campaign, outperforming his totals from 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2024-25, each of which began with seven direct goal involvements. Only Kylian Mbappe and Julian Alvarez have been involved in more goals across the top five leagues this season, underlining the Brazilian’s place among the game’s elite.

Even in matches where Real Madrid have struggled collectively, Vinicius has continued to influence play through dribbling, pressing, and creativity. He currently leads the squad in take-ons completed and chances created, reaffirming his role as the team’s primary attacking engine. As Real Madrid navigate a transitional phase under Alonso, Vinicius’ form stands as both a bright spot and a reminder that his exclusion from the lineup could prove costly in the long run.

With Real Madrid entering a critical stretch of fixtures, Alonso faces mounting pressure to stabilise results while maximising his squad’s attacking potential. Vinicius’ record-breaking numbers make him impossible to be overlooked, and his continued form could force a tactical rethink from the manager.

For Vinicius, the focus remains on consistency and endurance. His strong start has reignited talk of Ballon d’Or contention for 2026 - a long-term goal that now seems increasingly attainable if he maintains this trajectory. The Brazilian has also been linked with an exit, however, his upturn in performance may force Los Blancos to rethink their future strategies.