Barcelona legend’s advice to Alonso on handling Real Madrid ace – ‘Just like he does with Mbappe’ | OneFootball

Vinicius Junior has become the talking point at Real Madrid lately, largely on account of friction growing between him and Xabi Alonso.

It is clear that the Brazilian international is not happy with his lack of game-time and Alonso’s tendency to bench him on certain matches.

Although the recent showing against Olympiacos helped Real Madrid cool tension between the players and the coach, the relationship between Vinicius and Alonso still remains tense.

Rivaldo’s advice to Xabi Alonso

In the wake of this controversy, Barcelona legend and former Brazilian superstar Rivaldo has a message for Xabi Alonso.

Speaking to Betfair (h/t SPORT), the former Ballon d’or winner has urged Alonso to play Vinicius more often, as much as the other star player in the team, Kylian Mbappe.

Rivaldo explained how it must be frustrating for a player like Vinicius to get benched week in week out.

Rivaldo believes Vinicius should play more often. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“Vinicius is returning to being that decisive player he once was. I hope he continues talking with the coach to maintain this level. 

“A player like him, let’s not forget he was named FIFA’s Best Player in the World in 2024, needs to be on the pitch at all times. Being substituted frequently is frustrating for any footballer of that caliber,” he said.

Rivaldo went on to advise Alonso to keep Vinicius on throughout the matches, on the occasions he starts a match.

“The coach should let him play, just like he does with Mbappe. Vinicius should also stay on the pitch, unless he’s having a really bad game,” he concluded.

Fortunately for Real Madrid, it appears Xabi Alonso is willing to change his stance a little, much thanks to the intervention from Florentino Perez.

So it will be interesting to see how things formulate from now, as Real Madrid gear up for a tough fixture list from now till the start of the Holiday season.