Xabi Alonso Addresses Vinicius’ Real Madrid Role Amid Contract Uncertainty and Bench Decision

Key Takeaways:

• Vinicius Junior was left out of Real Madrid’s starting eleven in their second match of the season and introduced for the final thirty minutes, scoring and providing an assist
• The Brazilian forward’s contract with Real Madrid has two years remaining, with no negotiations scheduled until the season’s end
• Rodrygo Goes has requested the opportunity to play on the left wing

Vinicius Junior’s Status and Alonso’s Approach

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has commented on the situation of Vinicius Junior, who faces a notably altered position within the squad compared to the previous season. No longer the leading figure in the club’s attack, Vinicius was named among the substitutes in Real Madrid’s second fixture of the campaign. Nevertheless, after being brought on for the concluding half hour, he made a significant impression, notching both a goal and an assist.

This decision arrives as speculation grows regarding Vinicius’s long-term future, given that the winger’s contract is set to run for another two years while negotiations over an extension are not expected to be revisited until the conclusion of the current season.

🗣 Xabi Alonso: "Vinicius? I'm very happy with him. I want him to have a great season. He will be a fundamental player." pic.twitter.com/KRCIuZSVdJ

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) August 29, 2025

Manager Endorses Vinicius but Emphasises Team Contribution

Despite these circumstances, Alonso offered assurances of Vinicius’s continued importance. “I’m very happy with Vini. Against Oviedo, he showed he can have a big impact off the bench. We’re just getting started… and he’s going to be fundamental.”

Seeking to maintain a harmonious dressing room dynamic, Alonso emphasised the significance of collective commitment and spirit, stating: “In a dressing room, the key is that everyone is willing to contribute, whether on the pitch or from somewhere else. Truly believing in this is essential. Believing in the group is important. And everyone here does. Vinicius is important in this, Valverde, Courtois… they’re all very important.”

Rodrygo Eyes Left-Wing Role Ahead of Mallorca Clash

This week, developments indicated that Rodrygo Goes had approached Alonso with a request to feature on the left side of the attack, rather than his traditional role on the right — a tactical adjustment used during Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure to accommodate both Rodrygo and Vinicius simultaneously.

Alonso commented on Rodrygo’s versatility: “His best form has come out in different positions. He’s been a number nine and even a number ten. But I think the left wing is a very good position for him. After playing less for a few games… it was important for him to feel back in the team’s dynamic.”

When pressed on his selection plans ahead of Saturday night’s fixture against Mallorca, Alonso gave little away, saying: “Telling you what I’m going to do wouldn’t be very smart of me (laughs). We’ll see tomorrow.”