A Real Madrid player hasn't scored in 30 games – a drought so severe, it's making headlines and raising serious questions about the team's overall performance. Is this the biggest problem facing the club right now? Absolutely! This unprecedented dry spell is a symptom of deeper issues plaguing the squad, both individually and collectively.
While superstars like Kylian Mbappe (though he doesn't play for Real Madrid) and Thibaut Courtois have consistently shone, others, including the usually dazzling Vinicius Jr., haven't been performing at their peak. Vinicius has shown glimmers of improvement recently, but he's still a shadow of the player we know he can be. Remember that penalty he won against Girona? That was a crucial moment that salvaged a draw, but beyond that, he struggled to create significant attacking threats or clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about scoring goals; it's about consistent pressure and creativity in the final third.
But here's where it gets controversial... Many are wondering if Carlo Ancelotti's upcoming role as Brazil's coach, starting with the FIFA World Cup, will automatically guarantee more playing time for Real Madrid's Brazilian contingent. After all, wouldn't a coach favor players he knows and trusts? Ancelotti himself has emphatically shut down that notion. He's made it crystal clear that selection will be based purely on merit, leaving no room for favoritism.
In a recent interview, Ancelotti issued a stern warning, particularly aimed at players like Vinicius Jr., urging them to elevate their game. He stated, "They [players] have to be at 100%. There are many very good players, I need to choose players who are 100%." He emphasized that his selections would be solely based on performance and dedication.
Ancelotti didn't mince words, specifically calling out Vinicius Jr. alongside Neymar. "It’s not just Neymar, it could be Vinicius. If Vinicius is at 90%, I will call another player who is at 100%, because it is a team with a very high level of competition, especially in attack," he declared. This is a bold statement, considering Vinicius's status as a key player for both Real Madrid and Brazil.
Tasked with guiding Brazil to World Cup success after recent disappointments, Ancelotti faces a tough challenge. He must make shrewd squad selections, especially given the wealth of attacking talent at his disposal. The pressure is now squarely on Vinicius to rediscover his form and prove he deserves a place in the squad based on merit, not reputation. The situation is even more perilous for Rodrygo Goes, who is currently enduring a goal drought and risks being dropped altogether.
So, what do you think? Is Ancelotti right to publicly pressure his players, even if it means potentially demoting a star like Vinicius? Will Vinicius rise to the challenge, or will his slump continue and cost him a place in the national team? Is merit-based selection truly possible when dealing with players of such high profile and established reputations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
