Real Madrid: The 5 most improved players of the season

LW Vinicius Junior

We close the list with a player who is still, technically, a prospect. Because Vinicius Junior has been a key player for Real Madrid for at least two seasons, it is easy to forget that the Brazilian winger is just 20 years old. And that can be a disservice to him, since some fans expect too much from the young man.

Perhaps the expectations got to him in the middle of the 2020-2021 season, because had a really rough slump. He was not taking on defenders with his usual zeal, and his issues in front of goal seemed to be exacerbated.

But since the month of February began, Vinicius has been in fine form, having responded perfectly to his earlier struggles. A resilient, hard-working offensive player, Vini is one of the best wingers in Europe at carrying the ball and starting chances. And on one night against Liverpool, he was lethal at finishing his chances, bagging a brace in a vital 3-1 first leg win.

Vinicius has been Real Madrid’s second-best forward after Karim Benzema this season. Since Real are still rebuilding their attack, that might not be high praise, but Vini’s ability to step up in the biggest games has been tremendous to see. Whether it was the second leg against Atalanta, the first leg against Liverpool, or the most recent Clasico, Vini made sure to step up for Los Merengues in the biggest matches.

He keeps getting better and better, and his play over the last couple of months is an indication that he is indeed finding a new level to his game in 2020-2021.