Since returning from the international break, the Brazilian players have been shining for the clubs. Players like Rodrygo Goyes, Eder Militao, Vinicius Junior, Bruno Guimaraes and others are rollicking for their respective clubs. But during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, most of them, looked done and dusted. They could hardly cut a satisfactory figure leading to another abysmal campaign for the Selecao.
Vinicius Junior, in particular, received a lot of criticism for his poor show in yellow shirt. One of the contenders for the Ballon d’Or this year, Vinicius, was expected to inject life into the lifeless body of Brazil's Football Team, but, sadly, he was found wanting.
His numbers are for the Selecao: A single goal in 12 World Cup qualifier matches that was scored way back in 2022. Received more ore yellow cards (6) than goals (5). Completed 23/76 dribbles (30%) since the FIFA World Cup 2022. Scored less number of goals in 2024 than the 17-year-old Endrick who played 404 fewer minutes
As soon as he dons the white shirt for Real Madrid, Vinicius transforms into a beast and why this has been happening remains a moot question.
Obviously, there are key factors to look at:
1. Tactical Systems:
Brazil vs. Real Madrid
At Real Madrid, Vinicius thrives in a system that allows him
to play to his strengths—quick transitions, counter-attacking football, and
space to exploit on the left flank. Madrid’s system under Carlo Ancelotti is
often built around fast breaks, with Vinícius being a key outlet for those
transitions. He plays on the left wing, where he has more freedom to take on
defenders one-on-one, use his speed, and cut inside onto his stronger foot.
Additionally, the presence of creative midfielders like Luka Modric and Toni
Kroos, along with a world-class striker in Karim Benzema (before he left),
allows Vinicius to flourish as defences are preoccupied with multiple threats.
For Brazil, the tactical setup is different. Brazil often
dominates possession against weaker teams in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and
international tournaments, meaning Vinícius faces low blocks and tightly packed
defences. This reduces the space he can exploit, which is critical to his
playing style. Moreover, Brazil tends to have slower build-up play, with less
emphasis on fast transitions. As a result, Vinicius doesn't get as many
opportunities to utilize his speed and direct dribbling, which are key elements
of his success at Madrid.
2. Positional Role
and Competition
Vinicius plays as a traditional left-winger for club
and country, but his responsibilities differ. At Real Madrid, he’s often the
focal point of their attack on the left, where he has the creative license to
roam and make runs. In contrast, Brazil’s left-wing has historically been a
highly contested position, with players like Neymar often dominating that role.
When Neymar plays, Vinicius is sometimes either moved to a more secondary role
or asked to adjust his game to complement Neymar’s style.
Even when Neymar isn't available, the Brazilian team’s
structure and expectations differ. Vinícius is often required to track
back more defensively and play within a more rigid structure, whereas at
Madrid, he has more freedom to stay forward and initiate counters. This
difference in role could explain why his attacking impact for Brazil seems
diminished compared to his explosive performances for Madrid.
3. Team Dynamics and
Chemistry
At Real Madrid, Vinicius has built strong on-field chemistry
with key players, particularly Benzema (before his departure), who often acted
as a mentor and attacking partner. The understanding between these two players
allowed Vinícius to excel. Benzema’s movement, positioning, and ability to draw
defenders created space for Vinícius to operate. The team is designed to amplify his strengths, and the years spent together have built an
intuitive partnership.
For Brazil, Vinícius hasn’t had the same continuity or connection with his teammates. The national team setup is more fragmented, with players coming together sporadically for international breaks and tournaments.
This lack of regular playing time together can result in less cohesive attacking
play. Additionally, Brazil’s squad features multiple star players, meaning the
attack is not solely focused on Vinícius, unlike at Real Madrid, where he has
increasingly become a central figure.
4. Pressure and
Expectations
The psychological aspect of playing for Brazil could also be
a contributing factor. Playing for the Brazil national team comes with immense
pressure and expectations, as the team has a rich history of success and a
demanding fan base. While Vinicius is a young player who has thrived under
pressure at Real Madrid, the weight of representing Brazil on the international
stage can be different. The expectations for individual brilliance are high,
especially given Brazil’s footballing legacy, and this could affect his
confidence and performance.
In contrast, at Real Madrid, although the pressure is also
high, Vinicius has grown into his role over time. He wasn’t expected to
immediately become the star of the team, and this allowed him to develop
without the same intensity of scrutiny. Moreover, at Madrid, his progression
has been seen as a part of the team’s long-term project, giving him the space
to grow into his role rather than be an instant solution.
5. Style of Play:
Transition vs. Possession
Real Madrid’s style of play, particularly in high-profile
Champions League matches, is often predicated on fast-paced counter-attacks.
This suits Vinícius perfectly, as his speed and dribbling allow him to exploit
open spaces left by opponents who push forward. Real Madrid often invites
pressure from stronger teams and hits them on the counter, a system that allows
Vinícius to flourish.
For Brazil, especially against less formidable opponents,
the team is expected to dominate possession and break down deep-lying defences.
Vinícius struggles more in these situations because his game is based on
exploiting space, which is limited when teams sit back. This style of play does
not necessarily align with his strengths, as he is more effective when the game
is open and there’s room to manoeuvre.
6. Coaching Philosophy
The coaching philosophy at Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti
has also been key to Vinícius’ development. Ancelotti has given him the freedom
to express himself on the pitch, encouraging his attacking instincts and
minimizing tactical restraints. This trust has allowed Vinícius to take risks
and become more confident in his decision-making.
On the other hand, Brazil’s national team coach, Tite (until
his departure after the 2022 World Cup), employed a more disciplined tactical
approach, where the wingers had to contribute more defensively. This system
often limits the offensive freedom Vinícius enjoys at Real Madrid, leading to
more cautious play and fewer chances to make the same kind of direct impact.
The reasons for Vinicius’ differing performances for Real
Madrid and Brazil can be attributed to a combination of tactical, positional,
and psychological factors. At Real Madrid, he benefits from a system tailored
to his strengths - quick transitions, counter-attacks, and freedom in attacking
play. The chemistry he has developed with his teammates, particularly in a more
open style of football, allows him to thrive.
In contrast, Brazil’s more possession-based approach, the need to accommodate other star players, and the high-pressure environment of international football have constrained his performances for the national team. To see a more consistent version of Vinicius for Brazil, the national team may need to adjust its tactics to better suit his style, while Vinicius himself must continue to adapt to the unique demands of international football.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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