Whether it be dropping Spanish darling Isco, benching club legend Marcelo, or throwing his weight behind goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois over Champions League hero Keylor Navas; Santiago Solari has made a number of big calls in his three months in charge of Real Madrid.Yet the most significant of them, in the long run, could be his handling of 18-year-old Vinicius Junior, with the manager quickly deciding the winger is not only a talent for the future, but also one for the present.Prior to Solaris arrival in October, Vinicius hadnt started a single game for Real Madrids seniors, previous coach Julen Lopetegui opting for a little-by-little approach with the summer signing and forcing him to spend most of his time with Castilla, only picking up the odd first team minute here or there.
1Four degrees at the Bernabu. Sevilla in town. Pasted Madrid 3-0 at the Snchez Pizjun in September but haven't won here since 2008. Jesus Navas was still in the team that day, think he's even quicker now. Vinicius may just give him a run for his money today. pic.twitter.com/wGqZy3eXmX— Lee Roden (@LeeRoden89) January 19, 2019Dribbling when suitable, not dribbling when it wasnt, being generous in his passing either forward or backward if necessary, and showing a determination to resolve tricky situations in tight spaces to help his team: the Brazilian may not have scored or picked up an assist, and as a result wont show up in the highlights packages, but this was an excellent all-round performance that bodes very well.It isnt a one off either. Also promising is his run of three league starts in a row, completing 90 minutes in all of them (the consecutive starts totalling five if the Copa del Rey is included). If handled carefully Vinicius could already be an important player as the crunch stage of the season draws close.
Why Vinicius Junior was the key to Santiago Solari getting Real Madrid job
That isnt to say he cant improve. End product is clearly the area that needs the most work: the Brazilian had a number of shooting opportunities against Sevilla but either lacked the conviction or accuracy to make them count. If he can add better finishing to his game and graft on the training ground will help with that then the teenager will possess all of the tools necessary to be an elite level winger.Importantly, Vinicius appears to already have the mental side down. Decision making, maturity, restraint arguably the toughest traits to acquire theyre all there. Important too is that Solari has managed to strike the right balance between nurturing and challenging his unpolished gem, giving him game time but also reminding everyone in public that he should be looked after because hes still an 18-year-old. Real Madrid may yet look for a new coach in the summer, but if the Argentinian can complete his ongoing work with Vinicius, he will leave behind a gift that should provide benefits both now and for years to come.
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