Ever since Xabi Alonso took over as Real Madrid’s head coach, much has been said about his calm yet effective man-management style. Managing a squad that includes two of football’s biggest global...
Ever since Xabi Alonso took over as Real Madrid’s head coach, much has been said about his calm yet effective man-management style.
Managing a squad that includes two of football’s biggest global icons, namely, Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, is no small task.
Yet, Alonso seems to be getting the best out of both. The pair, once accused of lacking chemistry on the pitch, have suddenly found their rhythm and are now proving why they are among the most feared attacking duos in Europe.
In sync this season
In fact, Vinicius and Mbappe have both scored in the same La Liga match three times already this season.
To put that into perspective, last season they managed this feat only four times across 26 league appearances together.
This sudden upturn in chemistry and confidence shows just how much Alonso’s tactical structure and trust have improved their partnership.
Vinicius and Mbappe are flourishing together. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The understanding between the two forwards has started to flourish, and Real Madrid are now reaping the rewards.
A growing partnership
Their latest joint display came against Villarreal, where both found the back of the net to guide Madrid to another crucial win.
It was not just about the goals, but the way they complemented each other, as Vinicius’s directness and flair worked perfectly with Mbappe’s precision and movement.
Last season, they struck together against Real Sociedad, Espanyol, Celta Vigo, and Rayo Vallecano.
This time around, Oviedo, Levante, and Villarreal have already been on the receiving end.
Out of the 34 matches they have shared on the field since Mbappe’s arrival, they have scored in seven of them as a pair. That may seem modest, but the recent pattern suggests a powerful trend is building.
For Vinicius, in particular, this is a personal win. He has been criticised recently for being too isolated and not linking well with Mbappe. However, their performance against Villarreal silenced those doubts.
Category: General Sports
