Real Madrid forward reclaims untouchable status under Alvaro Arbeloa | OneFootball

When Alvaro Arbeloa took charge of Real Madrid, many expected certain things to change and they have, with the new coach notably shifting away from most of Xabi Alonso’s methods.

But perhaps the biggest change has been the way Vinicius Jr. is now being treated at the club, having gone from a mere attacking option under Alonso to an ever-present figure in the Real Madrid frontline.

An indespensable figure in the Real Madrid attack

As reported by MARCA, in the six matches played under the new manager, Vinicius hasn’t missed a single second of action.

While Arbeloa has managed the fatigue of other stars such as Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, and Kylian Mbappe, all of whom sat out the trip to Albacete, Vinicius was required to play the full 90 minutes in what became a Copa del Rey nightmare.

Even in games where the result was beyond doubt, such as the rout against Monaco, Arbeloa refused to substitute the winger.

Arbeloa considers Vinicius Jr. a key piece of the puzzle. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

This streak of six consecutive full matches is a feat not seen since 2023 under Carlo Ancelotti.

Had it not been for a suspension that will see him miss the upcoming clash at Mestalla, Vinicius would likely have been on track to play seven consecutive full games for the first time in his career.

Having become someone who was regularly substituted under previous manager Xabi Alonso, the Brazilian international seems to have once again regained his ‘untouchable’ status with Arbeloa now at the helm.

To that end, the suspension against Valencia presents Arbeloa with his first major tactical challenge. With both Vinicius and the injured Jude Bellingham unavailable, the coach faces a selection dilemma.

Rodrygo, who has long expressed a desire to play on his natural left wing, is expected to fill the void left by his compatriot.