Help Vinicius Junior find his confidence
Vinicius Junior is one of the players on Real Madrid I try to support with every fiber of my being, even as I must be critical of him as an honest analyst when he frustrates, such as in that Copa del Rey loss to Alcoyano.
The young Brazilian left winger is on a good path. He is already an important player for Real Madrid, having accrued more minutes than anyone at the position last season. But Vini truly does need to improve his composure in the penalty box and end product in order to follow through on his other traits, which include the ability to carry the ball great distances and make excellent, penetrative runs into the penalty area with the ball at his feet.
Carlo Ancelotti can work wonders with Martin Odegaard, and he can, likewise, elevate the equally gifted Vinicius. Everyone knows that Ancelotti is a player’s coach, and maybe Vini needs a different manager with a different approach. Maybe he needs the effusively charismatic Don Carlo who can instill confidence in him with love, giving him the grace to fail, so to speak.
I am at a loss for what ails Vini in front of goal, because his technique is not an issue. It just seems to fall apart in these vital moments. He seems to lose himself in the moment, though he is not a scared player or too small for the Real Madrid kit. I have a good feeling that Ancelotti can get more out of Vinicius than some Madridistas think possible.