His cry said it all. That March 5th, just a few months ago against Ajax in the Champions League, Vinícius Junior left injured and his tears reached the stands of the Bernabéu not only because of Real Madrid's elimination from the continental tournament, but also because they would lose - they knew it - their player who made them believe again in that team that had the worst season in decades, just months after winning the 'Orejona' for the third consecutive time.
It was a blow for Madrid and for the player himself. He recovered physically, but football-wise - until now - not. Zinedine Zidane decided not to use him until the last league match and from that moment on it was known that it would be difficult for him to be the same player who dazzled and brought a smile - and hope - to the Madridistas.
The preseason was more of the same. He did not recover that left flank that he exploded in Flamengo and Madrid, nor did he manage to prove that he could compete with the established players who would remain at the club and those who arrived, much less convince Zinedine Zidane entirely.
Madrid's Concern and Zidane's Lineup
Vinícius Junior knows he is not playing well. That right flank that Zidane has chosen for him - with the arrival of Hazard, the undisputed owner of the left side, and now Bale after the Welshman's injury - is a kind of kryptonite and has not contributed to him being what Madrid expects of him.
There is uncertainty and concern in the Madrid hierarchy about Zidane's decision to play him there, without having given him the time and space necessary to adapt and adjust his football. In addition, for the Frenchman, it is not a priority. One of the club's franchises could collapse due to the lineup Zidane is imposing and following. For now, the results are not coming and patience is running out.
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