Cucurella defends Vinicius over defensive criticism

Abdullateef Fowewe

Real Madrid left-back Marc Cucurella has pushed back against suggestions that young teammate Yan Diomande provides him with more defensive help than Vinicius Junior, arguing the difference lies in media and public focus rather than actual effort.

Speaking on El Partidazo de COPE, Cucurella said, “Diomandé helps me more than Vini Jr. in defence? No, it’s not that Diomandé helps me more, it’s that it gets highlighted more. Diomandé tracks back and it’s all over the news. Vini makes 3 track backs, but doesn’t in 1 instance, and that is the one that will get highlighted.”

He continued, “If Vini scored 3 goals per match, no one would say anything to him. The most important thing is that he gets back to his best because if he’s in his prime, we will have a sensational team.”

Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid from Chelsea, has been partnering both players on the left flank.

Vinicius has faced scrutiny during a relative dip in form after years of elite performances, while the young Ivorian Diomande has impressed with his work rate and tracking back in recent appearances.

Real Madrid are currently on an eight-match winning run, including a 3-0 victory at Valencia.

Cucurella also noted that Vinicius continues to show desire in training and that a return to his peak level would make the side even stronger.