Former Real Madrid midfielder Alvaro Benito has defended Vinicius Jr. amid fan hostility while reports indicate President Florentino Perez is planning a major defensive overhaul for the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid is currently navigating a period of internal turbulence as former player Alvaro Benito has come forward to defend Vinicius Jr. against growing hostility from the club’s supporters and rumors of a potential exit.
Speaking to El Larguero, Benito dismissed the focused criticism on the Brazilian winger following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, asserting that
“It’s surprising that all the attention is focused on him alone, when the picture is much bigger than that,” while specifically praising the player’s resilience and recent performance against Levante.
Benito offered tactical advice for the winger to regain his elite status, noting, “If Vinicius improves his performance off the ball and his coordination with the team, it will positively reflect on his play with the ball,” before concluding with high praise by stating,
“Damn it, we’re talking about an amazing player. He’s the one who grabs the game by the handle and takes control.”
Simultaneously, the club’s hierarchy is reportedly shifting its focus toward a significant summer defensive rebuild, with Florentino Perez maintaining a strict policy against mid-season recruitments despite fitness concerns surrounding Eder Militao and the likely departure of David Alaba.
The club is prepared to sign up to two new center-backs in June, targeting high-profile options like Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate, as they wait for the summer window to address a backline that has struggled for consistency under Alvaro Arbeloa’s management.