Vinicius Junior's crisis: Is Real Madrid paying the price for his new contract?
After signing a massive deal, Vinicius Junior is struggling for form, while competition from Yan Diomande adds pressure to his spot in the team.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0 / Author: Hossein Zohrevand
Recent social media conspiracy theories about a "lookalike" replacing Vinicius Junior are merely a sarcastic reaction to his poor form. In reality, the Brazilian is struggling to make an impact, with only one goal and three assists in his first eight La Liga matches. These are not the numbers expected from a key player in the Real Madrid project.
The situation worsened against Villarreal. Vinicius started on the bench, while his replacement Yan Diomande scored the winner. When the Brazilian eventually entered the game, he was sent off following a VAR review, fueling further criticism. Diomande’s emergence has shown that competition for places is becoming fierce, regardless of past reputations or contract value.
The club's issues extend beyond one player's form. José Mourinho faces a significant tactical dilemma. Fielding Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius together requires a careful balance, as both prefer drifting from the left into the center. When these stars fail to press effectively, it places a heavy burden on the midfield and defense.
Real Madrid currently trails Barcelona by six points, increasing the pressure on the squad. While Vinicius's contract until 2032 was meant to secure his future, it has not resolved the tactical questions surrounding his partnership with other stars. Without a collective system that maximizes their individual quality, Real Madrid risks a season where potential remains unfulfilled.