Real Madrid are looking into why Vinícius Júnior is finding it harder to beat defenders. The Brazilian winger has lost some of the edge that made him so dangerous down the left, and his dip in form since the start of the season has become a concern at the club.
According to El Debate, Madrid initially considered whether off-field factors might be affecting his performances before deciding to treat the matter as a football issue. José Mourinho and his staff have been tasked with helping Vinícius get back to his best, working directly with the player.
Part of that work involves examining whether changes in Vinícius’s physique might explain a drop in his top speed. The newspaper reports that some at the club believe he looks broader than he used to, although no link has been established between that observation and his performances on the pitch.
El Debate says the drop in pace is most evident in one-on-one situations, where defenders are now better able to keep up with Vinícius and stop his runs. As that has happened more often, he has become less confident about taking them on, even though his ability to burst past a full-back was once one of his most effective weapons.
Vinícius knows he is below his best and is working to regain his speed and confidence against defenders. Mourinho is supporting him on both the technical and psychological fronts and giving him minutes to rediscover his rhythm, while remaining prepared to take him off when Madrid need a different attacking option.
“When it’s time to decide who plays, the team must always come before the individual,” Mourinho said before the Valencia match. He had already put that principle into practice against Roma and AEK Athens, taking Vinícius off as he looked for attacking changes that helped Madrid come from behind to win both games.
According to El Debate, Vinícius has around a month to show enough improvement to keep his starting place. Yan Diomande can play on either wing but is more effective on the left, giving Mourinho a direct alternative.
Vinícius will miss the Valencia match through suspension. After returning from international duty with Brazil, he will have opportunities to show progress against Celta Vigo, PSV Eindhoven and Alavés before December trips to Athletic Club and Arsenal. Mourinho could turn to Diomande on the left if the Brazilian’s form does not improve.
