Real Madrid have made a strong start to the new season with five wins out of five, but Vinicius Junior has struggled individually.
The 24-year-old, who has still managed two goals and one assist, is struggling to return to the form that had him as a leading candidate for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Many have speculated at the reasons for Vinicius’ woes, but some light has now been shone on the matter. According to Manu Carreño (via Cadena SER), the Br azil international has been affected by no longer being the main man at Real Madrid – that is now Kylian Mbappe – while the tactical preferences of Xabi Alonso have also played a part.
"He comes from a very bad year. After having had two seasons where he was the star of Real Madrid in both the Champions League and La Liga, becoming the most unbalanced player in the world, he has gone on to have an irrelevant role in Madrid."
"A new coach has arrived who, due to the characteristics of one or the other, I think he likes players who are also associated on the inside more than those on the pure wing. That’s why he’s convinced by players like Güler, Mastantuono or Rodrygo, who are on the wing, but who also go inside."
It’s also been claimed that Vinicius’ off-field situation has affected his form on the pitch. He has been involved in contract talks with Real Madrid, with these currently being at a standstill.
"When I told before the Club World Cup that there was an agreement between Real Madrid and Vinicius to renew, it is because that agreement was practically done. We didn’t tell it because we had heard it, it hadn’t reached us… They had it that way, agreed. It was not signed before, which is what was planned, and it was postponed until after the Club World Cup. However, after the Club World Cup it was not signed either."
"I believe that Xabi’s decisions are footballing, I really believe it. If Xabi makes a decision like this it’s because he thinks that way, but I don’t know if it helps Vinicius to continue postponing the renewal. Or does anyone believe that Mbappé, when everyone knew he was going to Real Madrid and started to be a substitute because Luis Enrique sat him down, it was only because of a sporting decision?"