Real Madrid's start of the season has been far from what fans and experts expected, and one of the team's best players during the 2018-19 season has challenged his coach to make a daring change to benefit the team.
Speaking in his first press conference with the Brazilian National Team, 19-year-old starlet Vinicius has stepped up to ask Zidane not to hold his progress, and that includes playing him in a different position where he was able to shine with Los Blancos in what turned out to be a disappointing campaign.
The teenager compared his style of play to that of Eden Hazard while urging Zizou to hand him the responsibility of playing on the other flank.
"In every club in the world, you can see right-footed players enjoying to play on the left, just like Hazard. We have the same situation here (in Brazil's NT). You might find playing on the other flank a bit complicated at first, but I'm adapting just right to my new spot. I am training there, and I want Zidane to put me there (on the right flank). Letting me play on both sides of the pitch will not only benefit Real Madrid, it will also be good for Brazil," Vinicius said.
The 19-year-old player has been limited to a substitute role at Real Madrid since Zidane's return in March.
Vinicius' role with the Spanish giants is yet unclear, since Eden Hazard is poised to earn what used to be his spot in the lineup once he recovers from a thigh problem. Gareth Bale has been Zizou's first-choice in Los Blancos' three games this season, but his red card could give Vinicius a shot at the starting nod.
Later in the press conference, the Brazilian star heaped praise on two of his Real Madrid team-mates for helping him get used to life in Europe.
"I had a great first season in Europe, and I want to take time to thank both Casemiro and Marcelo. They helped me out a lot during my first year in Europe, they pushed me to give the team my best version," the player added.
Vinicius is expected to make his senior debut with A Canarinha during their upcoming friendlies against Colombia or Peru. How Zidane reacts to his requests remains to be seen...
