Vinícius Júnior’s Rebirth: Arbeloa’s Simple Plan Revamps Real Madrid in Europe
28 January 2026
Context
Madrid star Vinícius Júnior is smiling again under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa after a difficult spell with Xabi Alonso, who was dismissed for poor results.
A Spanish newspaper explains why Vinícius thrives under Arbeloa: the Brazilian has regained his sparkle, threat, and above all, the joy of playing. This is not coincidence; there is a plan behind it: a simple plan designed to ensure the No. 7 decides the match again in one-on-one duels.
Approach
At his official unveiling Arbeloa said he wants Vinícius to enjoy his time, and he is succeeding, not through radical changes but through precise adjustments that make life easier for the Brazilian.
The numbers began to reflect it: two decisive passes against Monaco, a goal, and another credited as an own goal by the opponent after entering the box.
In Villarreal, Vinícius decided the game with a moment of individual brilliance that seemed to come from nowhere, after beating Pau Navarro in the second half.
The conditions Real Madrid created seem to work in his favor. The aim is to win the ball higher up the pitch and exploit pace when the moment allows.
Vinícius has raised his average successful dribbles to 2.4 this season. Against Levante, he completed four dribbles, the same as Monaco, with 80% success. At La Cerámica, four of seven dribbles were completed; he won eight of 18 duels and drew five fouls. With less pressure on him, stopping him again becomes nearly impossible.
Because Arbeloa understood the problem, Vinícius has spent years facing plans designed to neutralize him: constant support, two or three defenders crowding him, and relentless pressure on the No. 7.
The solution was simple and effective: Real Madrid began many attacks from the right wing, where Franco Mastantuono started to impose himself, drawing opponents away from his zone.
A quick pass, a touch in open space, and a one-on-one in an empty stadium—then Vinícius returned to his natural self, and Arbeloa found a way to restore the context the Brazilian star needed.
In short: Vinícius is back in business, and Arbeloa's plan might just steal the headlines again.
Punchline 1: If Vinícius keeps this up, defenders will need a GPS to track his zig-zags.
Punchline 2: Arbeloa’s upgrade is so clean that even the ball seems to be smiling back at him.
