Real Madrid's recent form has improved, with a 4-1 win over Sevilla lifting Jose Mourinho's side to within three points of Barcelona in La Liga. The upturn has coincided with Vinicius Junior's four-match suspension, during which left winger Yan Diomande has emerged as a standout performer.
When Vinicius returns from his ban, Real Madrid will face a selection decision. Spanish analysts debated the issue on Cadena SER's "El Larguero" programme, with former Spain player Alvaro Benito suggesting rotation rather than automatic reinstatement. He proposed that Diomande could be retained or rotated, with midfielder Guler potentially partnering Tchouameni in midfield to rest Bernardo Silva.
The core issue discussed by the analysts is Vinicius's defensive contribution. Benito said the Brazilian "has a problem: he tends to slacken off defensively for most of the match." Former Real Madrid defender Rafa Alkorta echoed the concern, noting that Diomande "scores goals and works hard," while Vinicius "neglects his defensive duties." Alkorta expressed doubt about whether Vinicius could change that tendency, saying: "I have serious doubts about his ability to do that."
Former Spain forward Jose Mari Bakero attributed the issue to habits formed under previous management, suggesting Vinicius has been "allowed to do things that are completely out of context" historically. Benito agreed that changing the player's approach will not be straightforward, noting that Vinicius's "real breakthrough came when he was playing as a second striker under Ancelotti."
Source: goal.com
