Vinicius thrives under Arbeloa, turns jeers into fuel at Villarreal | OneFootball

Vinicius has rediscovered his edge since the Supercopa final, turning jeers into fuel at La Cerámica as Real Madrid went provisional top of LaLiga. His best display under Xabi Alonso came in that showpiece, the Basque coach's last game in charge.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, he has flourished without the figure he never connected with, and Arbeloa has delivered on a pledge to let him enjoy his football. The coach's set-up suits him and Mbappé, with running not an obligation. The less it is demanded, the more they do it, and their partnership is nearing 20 goals.

In that final he conjured a goal to end a 19-match drought. He then supplied two assists against Monaco, scored one, and forced an own goal with a driving run. At Villarreal he beat Pau Navarro to prompt a Gueye error, then Mbappé finished.

Arbeloa's Madrid is simpler than Alonso's, built to maximise strengths rather than tailor to opponents. Without the ball they stay compact, avoid jumping the press, and seek high regains through vigilance. The plan is clear, be strong on the counter.

Amid 'Balón de playa' chants, a nod to his failed Ballon d'Or, he completed about 10 successful dribbles and fed Mbappé to win the penalty for the second goal. After his opener he cupped an ear to invite more noise, then argued with referee Soto Grado and pushed for more bookings. He says he dislikes talk about his life off the pitch, yet the needle can galvanise him.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo