Five Real Madrid players who have improved under Zinedine Zidane

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MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 6: (L-R) Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid, coach Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid v Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu on February 6, 2020 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Vinicius Junior

The Brazilian playmaker has had to deal with a lot since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in the summer of 2018. Vini has worked with three managers now and suffered a serious injury in last year’s disappointing defeat against Ajax in the Champions League.

But, even after drawing some criticism from the Madridistas for his struggles in the attacking third, Vini has been a treat to watch since he put on the famous white kit.

In his first full season at 18-years-old, he made 30 appearances while scoring three goals and providing eight assists. This season, Junior has already made 23 appearances and started half the matches he started a year ago.

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Thankfully, in the last few matches, the winger has greatly improved his finishing and dribbling. His stats against Real Sociedad were mouth-watering as he created six chances, made three tackles, and had an assist.

Thanks in part to Eden Hazard‘s lengthy injury layoff and the faith from Zidane, Vinicius has made his way back up the pecking order and is more in favor than Rodrygo Goes at the moment. Zidane has made it clear that Vinicius is a part of his long-term plans and the Brazilian has responded phenomenally.

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