Franco Mastantuono has explained why his Real Madrid teammate will be key if the team are to end the season with the La Liga title or the Champions League. Alvaro Arbeloa's side have turned the tide as of late and put in some impressive performances.
The month started with Kylian Mbappe out injured and was followed by a dissapointing 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final. Madrid's board acted and parted ways with Xabi Alonso much to the bemusement of fans.
Madridistas responded by booing several players who they felt were to blame for Alonso's early exit and a frustrating campaign. But the mood has lifted under Arbeloa and he has got Vinicius Junior back firing on all cylinders.
Vinicius has been back to his best and put in man-of-the-match performances including in a 6-1 thrashing of AS Monaco in the Champions League. That win put Madrid third in the European standings and all but confirmed their place in the knockout rounds.
The 25-year-old bounced back from a disastrous spell which included an 18-game goal drought. But he isn't the only one who has shined as of late as Mastantuono has also caught the eye with several standout showings for Los Merengues.
Mastantuono spoke about Vinicius' importance and suggested he could be the one to fire Madrid to trophy success this season. He told DSports (via Madrid Zone):
“I’ve never seen Viní Jr. being in a bad spell. He’s an incredible player. For me, in a year, he’s been the best player in the world. I think if he feels good, we’ll have much better chances of winning as he helps us young players & the team.”
Vinicius has appeared 31 times across competitions this season, posting seven goals and 11 assists. He is hitting his stride at a crucial stage of the campaign with vital games on the horizon.
Mastantuono's claim about Vinicius helping the younger players at the Bernabeu is great news. This will undoubtedly help the likes of the 18-year-old Argentine continue to develop alongside one of the world's best attacking talents.
Arbeloa deserves credit for Vinicius turnaround
There was much criticism over Arbeloa backing Vinicius and looking to make him the focus of his Madrid team alongside Kylian Mbappe. Many felt player power had prevailed when Alonso left and the Brazil international was the main target of fans.
But Vinicius has reminded supporters just how talented he is and that's largely thanks to Arbeloa. The Spaniard has given the Selecao star the love he requires to perform at his best.
The positive shift in mood in the dressing room could be crucial for Madrid's trophy ambitions. It will be interesting to see how the La Liga title races unfolds as Arbeloa's side chase Barca with just a point between the El Clasico rivals and 17 games remaining.