Carlo Ancelotti Convincing ‘Very Dangerous’ Vinicius Junior To Embrace Surprise New Role For Brazil

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly convinced Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior to take on a surprise new role in the national team setup — one that could see him operate more centrally as Brazil prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

With Neymar sidelined due to injury, Vinicius has become the key attacking figure for the Selecao. Having already built a strong relationship under Ancelotti at Real Madrid, the 25-year-old winger has scored two goals in six appearances since the Italian tactician took charge of the national team.

Ancelotti believes that Vinicius’ immense pace and technical ability can be even more effective in a central attacking role rather than on the wing.

“Vinícius has the quality to score many goals,” Ancelotti told PLACAR. “I’ve spoken to him: when you’re a winger, to score goals you have to do three or four dribbles and touch the ball several times. But in the centre, just one well-timed movement is enough to score a goal. He understood it, and he likes playing in that position.”

The Brazil boss added that Vinicius remains “very, very dangerous” when attacking space and could be a major weapon as Brazil aim for their record-extending sixth World Cup title.

Ancelotti has also given similar tactical advice to Neymar, suggesting that the 33-year-old should play more centrally to minimize defensive workload and maximize scoring chances.

“I think Neymar needs to play more centrally, not as a winger,” Ancelotti explained. “Wingers today have to defend more, but a player with Neymar’s talent should be closer to goal. [False 9] could be his ideal position.”

With Ancelotti experimenting ahead of the World Cup, Brazil fans could be in for a new-look attack — one led by a more central and goal-focused Vinicius Junior.