Vinicius one year on
Before the game against Atletico Madrid on the 29th September, Vinicius Junior debuted in his first official game with Real Madrid. Again, against Atletico, the Brazilian will have been with Real Madrid for a whole year.
After a few hard weeks in the start of the competition, Madrid can smile again. They are top thanks to their last game against Osasuna, in a meeting that they one thanks to one goal-with the collaboration of- of Vinicius Junior.
The former Flamengo player again started in Santiago Bernabeu. The striker took on the challenge and the 1-0 scoreline gave him confidence during the rest of the match.
His emotion was palpable when he scored that winning goal. It has been difficult for him, but, little by little, Zidane seems to be helping him through it. He is no longer a rookie: this weekend it will be one year since his debut.
Last year, on the 29th September 2018, Julen Lopetegui decided to take a chance on Vinicius, precisely against Atletico Madrid, although then the game was at Santiago Bernabeu.
From then on, with the arrival of Solari included, the Brazilian did nothing more than climb positions until he became indisputable. He was the flame that kept a troubled Madrid alive. But in this course, with Zidane at the controls, he still had not been able to have that expected prominence.
'Zizou' has made it clear: count on everyone if you need to rotate. The coach has no qualms about making notable changes in the line-up - against Osasuna eight new faces played. This is where Vinicius is key.
At Wanda Metropolitano it would be a surprise if he is not started. In his role, Hazard and Bale will return, but the Braziliancould play some minutes in the second half, when the team may need a fresh pair of legs to help them out.