Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Vinicius Junior may be experiencing one of the most difficult periods of his Real Madrid career on the pitch, with the Brazilian struggling at the start of the season.
The 26-year-old has looked a pale shadow of his former self and was hooked early in the second half against Atletico Madrid after a disastrous showing.
However, despite his poor start to the new campaign, his relationship inside the dressing room remains as strong as it has ever been.
According to Cadena SER, Vinicius continues to share an extremely strong relationship with his teammates.
His connection with the Madrid squad is described as one built on complete trust and something approaching a “brotherhood.”
Madrid teammates remain close to Vinicius
The report claims Vinicius came much closer to leaving Real Madrid for Arsenal during the summer than was publicly understood at the time.
In fact, several members of the Madrid dressing room believed his departure for Mikel Arteta’s side was going to happen.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Vinicius has had a poor start to the season. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
Ultimately, Vinicius remained in Madrid, but his start to the new season has been difficult. It is more down to form than a lack of ability.
The Brazilian seems to be lacking his usual confidence and has scored just once since the start of the season.
His performances have paled in comparison to those of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and even Arda Guler.
Mourinho faces a decision after the break
What Madrid do not appear to have, however, is a Vinicius problem inside the dressing room.
That matters. A player struggling individually is one issue, but a player becoming isolated from his teammates would represent something much more difficult for Jose Mourinho to manage.
Yan Diomande’s emergence only makes the sporting debate more interesting. The 19-year-old offers Mourinho another explosive option from the left.
There is also the unresolved tactical question of how Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe complement each other. Their average positions against Atletico were virtually identical.
Yan Diomande, Real Madrid player
Yan Diomande is breathing down Vinicius’ neck. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
With competition for places in Los Blancos’ attack as intense as it is, there can be no guaranteed starters irrespective of status.
If Vinicius continues to have a poor season, Mourinho will have to make a difficult call on whether to drop the Brazilian to the bench.
Arda Guler has been in sublime form, and the Portuguese manager might have to sacrifice the 26-year-old to accommodate Yan Diomande.
After signing a new blockbuster contract in the summer, this is not what Madrid fans expected from Vinicius, and it remains to be seen whether he can get back to his best after the international break.
Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Fabio Capello’s side enjoyed a comeback of dreams in 2006/07. (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Jose Mourinho has a number of problems to address after the international break. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)