Valdano Takes Aim at Vinícius

Jorge Valdano has once again put one of the biggest debates surrounding Vinícius Júnior on the table. The Real Madrid legend analyzed the Brazilian’s attitude following Los Blancos’ LaLiga opener against Espanyol and delivered a clear message: Vini is far too talented to allow conflict to take the spotlight away from his soccer.

The Brazilian once again found himself at the center of the conversation during Madrid’s 2-1 victory. One of the most talked-about moments came when he appealed for a penalty after going down inside the box, but throughout different stages of the match, he also found himself involved in the kind of personal battle with opponents and fans that has so often accompanied his games in Spain.

Valdano understands that there is provocation.

In fact, he believes opponents know exactly how to try to take the Brazilian out of the game.

“Provoking Vinícius Is Good Business”

That was one of the most interesting parts of the Argentine’s analysis.

Valdano pointed out that provoking Vinícius has practically become another tactical weapon for opponents because they know how he tends to react. He even viewed some of the strong challenges the Brazilian received against Espanyol as part of that strategy.

“Everyone knows, including the fans, that provoking him is good business,” the Argentine explained.

For Valdano, the problem begins when that battle ends up creating practically a separate game around the Brazilian.

The former player believes Real Madrid are currently playing their collective match while Vinícius is involved in another one of his own, defined by provocations, arguments and everything happening around him.

And that raises the important question: does that second battle really benefit the player or Real Madrid?

Valdano Also Partly Agrees With Mourinho

His criticism does not mean Valdano considers Vinícius solely responsible for the situation.

José Mourinho defended his player after the match and said the Brazilian has been dealing with extremely difficult situations. The manager even spoke about the excessive treatment Vini receives from opponents and supporters.

Valdano acknowledged that Mourinho is partly right in his assessment.

However, he also pointed out an interesting detail: just a few months ago, when the Portuguese coach was at Benfica, his position on Vinícius was different.

“The coach was at Benfica just three months ago and, when it came to Vinícius, he was saying different things,” Valdano recalled.

Now Mourinho is on the other side and knows he must find a way to protect one of his best players while also making sure he does not waste energy by constantly getting involved in those battles.

The Vinícius With Brazil and the One at Real Madrid

Another point fueling the debate is the difference between the Vinícius seen with Real Madrid and the one who usually appears with the Brazil national team.

In that context, previous comments from Carlo Ancelotti, now Brazil’s national team coach, have also resurfaced. The Italian has spoken about the version of the forward he sees when he joins the Seleção.

For Valdano, the solution is not about taking away the player’s personality.

It is about making sure all that energy is directed toward the game.

“His energy has to be focused on the game because he is a superstar,” the Madrid legend explained.

Valdano’s Advice for Vini

And that is probably the phrase that best summarizes his entire message.

Valdano believes Vinícius has more than enough ability to build an era around his soccer, but he needs to do it through his dribbling, goals and ability to decide matches.

Not through arguments.

The Argentine said Vini must “build his empire” through his game rather than through conflict, something that, in his opinion, ultimately hurts both the player and Real Madrid.

Valdano’s message is not intended to deny what happens around the Brazilian either. He recognizes that opponents try to provoke him and understands part of Mourinho’s public defense of his player.

But he also believes there is a responsibility that belongs to Vinícius himself and the coaching staff.

The season has only just begun, and managing this situation throughout the entire campaign could become a major source of unnecessary tension.

For Valdano, Vini has a much simpler response available: let his soccer do the talking.