If it were up to Vinicius to decide who should be Real Madrid’s coach next season, the Brazilian would have it clear: Alvaro Arbeloa. The player has found in the coach the same connection he had with Ancelotti, who, in his time, made him a world star and the main offensive reference for Real Madrid. Something similar has happened with Arbeloa, with whom Vinicius has connected from the first moment. The chemistry is total, and that has transferred to the pitch.

Vinicius has become Arbeloa’s great ally from the moment he arrived on Real Madrid’s bench. The coach made him feel important, gave him back the leading role he had lost, and the Brazilian has responded fully to the coach’s trust. Vinicius has been Arbeloa’s great support in the goal of rescuing Real Madrid to take them to fight for the league and the Champions League.

He has been so personally and athletically. He has behaved like a great leader, with exemplary behavior day to day and total commitment. And Arbeloa has a lot to do with that. Vinicius has defended the coach from minute one, and his commitment has been absolute.

Except in Mestalla, where he was out due to suspension, he has participated in every match of the ‘Arbeloa era,’ starting in 21 of the 23 matches (he was only a substitute against Mallorca for rest) and playing complete matches in 19 of them. His performance has also skyrocketed, being the team’s top scorer since Arbeloa’s arrival, with 13 goals.

Of the 19 goals Vinicius has this season, 13 have come with Arbeloa on the bench (68%). The Brazilian, thanks to his strong connection with the coach, has recovered his stellar form. With Mbappe out of action for many matches, Vinicius put the team on his back.

The club gave Arbeloa a mission with Vinicius, and the coach has fulfilled it perfectly. Among the many problems the coach had to solve when he arrived at the first team, one was recovering the best version of Vinicius, who was subdued and upset under Xabi Alonso’s orders.

While Mbappe was flying in his performance and his numbers, the Brazilian’s star had dimmed amid early substitutions and benchings that were driving him crazy. A personal problem that extended to the group, where Vinicius has great significance because he is a very beloved player and very special to all his teammates.

That is why Arbeloa’s connection with Vinicius is so important. The coach and his staff arrived in the middle of a ‘Vinicius storm’ after Xabi Alonso’s departure and have restored calm at all levels.

Vinicius is once again the player the club wanted to recover at all costs, and so is the locker room atmosphere, with the hard core of the squad rowing in the same direction and ready to get out of the difficult situation the team finds itself in. The results have not been as desired, but the heavyweights, with Vinicius at the helm, have been on Arbeloa’s side.

Arbeloa has the backing and trust of many important players. He has won over the locker room, and his figure carries a lot of weight among the players. He has connected, and a large part of the locker room feels comfortable around him. Also, with his coaching staff, a group of assistants that have fit like a glove among the players.

Vinicius and Valverde are two completely new players under Arbeloa’s orders. A pair in the spotlight during the ‘Xabi era’ who, with Arbeloa, have regained their smiles and their best level. They feel important and picked up the flag of the new project. Courtois, Tchouameni, and Rudiger are three other ‘bosses’ on Arbeloa’s side. As are Bellingham and Guler.

Roundtablesports is Free to join! You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers. 

Download the FREE Roundtable APP, and get even easier access to your favorite teams and news!