Vinicius thrives under Arbeloa and answers beach-ball jeers in Villarreal win | OneFootball

Vinicius ended a 19-match drought in the Supercopa final, which was also Xabi Alonso’s last game in charge of Real Madrid. No longer under a coach he never clicked with, he has regained his edge and was decisive in the win at Villarreal, making Madrid provisional LaLiga leaders.

Superdeporte notes that Arbeloa has simplified the brief for his forwards, easing defensive demands and amplifying their strengths. With Kylian Mbappé, he forms a duo already close to 20 combined goal contributions without needing a tight understanding.

Against Monaco, Vinicius delivered two assists, scored once and forced an own goal with a driving run. Off the ball, Madrid keep compact lines and resist jumping the press, then try to win it high through cover and strike on the counter.

At La Cerámica he beat the persistent Pau Navarro to force a mistake from Gueye that sparked the victory, with Mbappé applying the finish. Later his forward pass put Mbappé in a position that led to the penalty for the second goal. He completed 10 successful dribbles.

Home fans taunted him with beach-ball chants about his failed Ballon d’Or bid. After his first goal he cupped an ear and told them to be louder. He says he dislikes talk about what he does off the pitch, yet that exchange can energise him. The Bernabéu has booed him recently. At Villarreal he protested at referee Soto Grado and called for more bookings, but the reactions came with decisive actions.

Source: Superdeporte