Josep Pedrerol says what everyone thinks about Vinícius: ‘He’s so good, but…’

Josep Pedrerol, one of Spain’s most outspoken football journalists, has once again turned the spotlight on Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. Known for his mix of admiration and critique, Pedrerol admitted that while Vinícius is one of the most talented footballers in the world, his behavior both on and off the pitch continues to divide opinion.

“Vinícius is so good, incredibly good,” Pedrerol said during the latest edition of El Chiringuito. “But when the team is drawing 0-0, he’s on the bench laughing. He’s so good… but instead of staying focused, he’s yawning. He’s so good… but when Mbappé scores, he’s more interested in arguing with the referee and the fans than concentrating on the game.” His words echoed a sentiment that many Madridistas have been quietly harboring.

The journalist confessed that he often feels conflicted when speaking about the Brazilian forward. On one hand, no one doubts his raw ability, his pace, or his capacity to change a game in a single moment. On the other hand, his antics often overshadow his brilliance, leaving fans and analysts exhausted by the endless debates about his discipline.

The recent match against Real Oviedo provided yet another example. Vinícius delivered a goal and an assist—statistics that should have been enough to silence any criticism. Yet, instead of celebrating calmly and letting his football do the talking, he became embroiled in constant clashes with the crowd. Oviedo’s supporters labeled him a “fool,” mocking his gestures and jeering every touch of the ball.

Things escalated when Vinícius attempted to win a penalty in controversial fashion, earning himself a yellow card. His frustration boiled over, and it took Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s marquee signing, to step in and calm him down. That moment captured the duality of Vinícius: the match-winner with unrivaled flair, but also the provocateur who risks throwing his team into chaos.

Despite the controversies, his numbers cannot be ignored. His goal effectively sealed Oviedo’s relegation, underlining his decisive impact on the match. Yet Pedrerol was quick to point out that talent alone will not shield Vinícius from criticism forever. “When you wear the Real Madrid shirt,” the journalist said, “you carry a responsibility. Being good is not enough if you lose your head.”

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s new coach, seems to share that sentiment. Alonso has already warned Vinícius about the importance of discipline and mental focus. The coach’s decision to leave the Brazilian on the bench at the start of the game was not just tactical—it was a statement. Alonso wants a player who can channel his energy into the team’s success, not someone distracted by arguments with referees or fans.

Reports suggest Alonso is growing impatient. While he values Vinícius’ explosiveness in attack, the coach demands consistency and concentration. If these lapses continue, Vinícius risks losing more than just his starting role; he could damage his long-term standing in the squad. The message from Alonso is clear: the door to the starting eleven is open, but only for a version of Vinícius that prioritizes football over distractions.

At the same time, Vinícius’ situation highlights the delicate balance of his career. He is adored by many fans for his flair and match-winning abilities, but his temperament is scrutinized more than most. For some supporters, his fire and emotional intensity are part of what make him unique. For others, those same traits are liabilities that hold him back from truly reaching the level of a global superstar.

What happens next will depend largely on Vinícius himself. If he takes Alonso’s warnings seriously and embraces a more disciplined approach, he could cement his place alongside Mbappé as the face of Madrid’s new era. If not, the risk is clear: he may become remembered as a talent who could have achieved even more had he found greater control.

For now, though, Pedrerol’s words capture the ongoing paradox. “He’s so good,” the journalist repeated, “but…” That unfinished sentence may continue to follow Vinícius until he decides, once and for all, to let his football speak louder than his frustrations