At a crucial moment in Real Madrid’s preparations for the new season, Federico Valverde’s role in the dressing room has become more important than ever. Thanks to his prominent position within the team, Valverde has earned the trust and respect of all his teammates, and he possesses the ability to influence and guide the players when necessary. With the new season approaching, he found himself needing to intervene in a sensitive matter involving one of his teammates — a young star who has become the center of attention: Vinícius Jr.
After a noticeable decline in his performances in recent months, Vinícius was not only struggling to reach his best form, but also faced issues related to his failure to comply with coach Xabi Alonso’s instructions, which resulted in underwhelming displays. Moreover, his demands for a salary on par with Kylian Mbappé’s caused tension within the club. These factors prompted Valverde to initiate a private conversation with Vinícius, urging him to reconsider his priorities and focus on what matters most: the team and performance on the pitch. It was a critical message from Valverde, one of the most respected voices in the dressing room.
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The question now is whether Vinícius can change his attitude and handle the mounting pressure. With the club’s management expecting him to deliver at the highest level, and the urgent need to prove his worth to remain a key part of the squad, the Brazilian must rise to the level of global stars like Kylian Mbappé.
Given the intense competition, Vinícius faces a major challenge this season: either elevate his game to secure a place in Xabi Alonso’s starting XI or risk remaining in the shadow of other players who may seize the spotlight.
