After Real Madrid had lost 3-1 to Juventus in their final pre-season friendly in Orlando, head coach Carlo Ancelotti faced the media in the bowels of the Camping World Stadium.
“We have shown a very good offensive side, but defensively it is clear what needs to be fixed,” the Italian said calmly, looking to explain Madrid’s shortcomings.
Ancelotti’s analysis clashed squarely with the main focus from media outlets and fans reacting to this latest defeat, which followed Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Barcelona. Both agreed on the need for a No.9, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe the name on everyone’s lips once again.
The statistics seem to back up the need for a striker. Madrid have scored six goals from 91 shots during their pre-season tour of the United States, meaning it takes them an average of 15.1 shots to score. More worryingly, they have scored just once in the last two games from 63 shots.
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The departure of Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabia has not been sufficiently covered, with the reigning Ballon d’Or winner’s No 9 shirt still vacant. The Frenchman left in June, but his presence can still be felt in the number of Madrid shirts featuring his name and number that were visible in Orlando on Wednesday night.
Only one player in Madrid’s squad rivals or surpasses that popularity: Vinicius Junior. If there was already excitement over the Brazil forward during last year’s U.S. tour, this one has confirmed him as an undisputed idol. The 23-year-old was urged to wave to the stands on several occasions last night and he has taken on the role of being Madrid’s main man in attack.
That was already clear last season when he was involved in 44 goals (23 goals and 21 assists) compared to Benzema’s 38 (31 goals and seven assists). But there is even more focus on Vinicius Jr now Benzema has left and he has been handed the No 7 shirt. Even against Juventus, when Madrid seemed to be asleep at times, he was constantly willing his side on.
There is a reason Vinicius Jr is the liveliest player at this stage of the summer. The Brazilian has worked hard during his holiday, dividing it into relaxation and a focus on the new campaign.
(Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
At the beginning of his holidays, Vinicius Jr tends to disconnect more, even if he still plays long matches of footvolley with his friends; he also enjoys Brazil’s nightlife. The forward arrived in Rio de Janeiro on June 27 this year and celebrated his 23rd birthday with a party on July 12.
That event was attended by three Real Madrid players: Eduardo Camavinga and Brazilians Eder Militao and Rodrygo. Camavinga arrived in Rio on Saturday, July 8 and stayed at Vinicius Jr’s house, while Militao and Rodrygo were there from Monday 10.
Those three players, along with other friends of Vinicius Jr, joined in the winger’s training routines, designed by his physiotherapist Thiago Lobo. It is usual for Lobo to join Vinicius Jr and his friends on holiday about 15 days before they return to work.
A diet was also set out by his chef, and this all means that Vinicius Jr experiences the summer as if it were pre-season already.
When Vinicius Jr joined Madrid’s pre-season camp in Los Angeles on July 19, the tests did not reflect a player at that early stage of preparations.
But this is because the Brazilian knew there would be a number of changes this pre-season. He would have a new shirt number — the iconic No 7 associated with Madrid legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul and Emilio Butragueno — and he would take up a slightly altered position in the centre in Ancelotti’s new system. The player also wanted to start honing his penalty-taking technique.
Changing to the No 7 shirt from his previous 20 was a specific request from Vinicius Jr to the club, who gladly accepted given Madrid president Florentino Perez sees him as the flagship player of his project and a commercial boon.
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With Benzema now out of the equation, the idea for Vinicius Jr to take penalties was another example of the player taking the initiative. He considers all great players to be specialists from the spot and began to rehearse these during the June international break with Brazil — even if there are no doubts about Neymar’s suitability for the role there.
On the fourth day of Madrid’s camp at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with the rest of the team training on another pitch, Vinicius Jr could be seen practising penalties with two members of the club’s coaching staff — although he was less effective from the spot against Barcelona, smashing his effort against the crossbar.
As well as Vinicius Jr, Luka Modric and Rodrygo are two other players Madrid are considering for penalties for the season ahead.
Con el resto del equipo en el otro campo, Vinicius ensaya también los penaltis.
Este año no está Benzema, principal lanzador en las últimas temporadas.@TheAthleticFC pic.twitter.com/c18ycfZPYY
— Mario Cortegana (@MarioCortegana) July 22, 2023
At UCLA, the player also worked on improving his finishing, starting on the wing before switching to a more central position. This has allowed him to stand out both in Ancelotti’s new 4-4-2 diamond formation and in the classic 4-3-3 usually favoured by the manager.
Vinicius, puliendo una de sus marcas registradas, la finalización desde la izquierda.@TheAthleticFC pic.twitter.com/vzq7LuHxsd
— Mario Cortegana (@MarioCortegana) July 22, 2023
During a cooling break in the first half against Juventus, Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti talked to Vinicius Jr to make some adjustments. It seemed to pay off as he produced a fine finish in the 38th minute.
“He continues to grow,” Carlo Ancelotti said. “Today, Vinicius handled the position very well and scored a fantastic goal. He is improving.”
The Italian loves him, as do Madrid’s fans. In Orlando, supporters even risked the heavy security presence to try and get a selfie with Vinicius Jr at the end of the game. Even without Benzema — or Mbappe, for now — Real have a star in attack.
(Top photo: Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
