What’s wrong with Vinicius? Why his start to the season is worrying

What’s going on with Vinicius? The question is starting to gain real traction among Madrid fans after a start to the season well below expectations. In his first eight official matches, seven in LaLiga and one in the Champions League, the Brazilian has managed just one goal.

The numbers reflect a reality that is hard to ignore: the forward is still far from that explosive version of himself that, over the last few years, turned him into one of Real Madrid’s biggest stars.

One of the main factors appears to be related to leadership within the team.

Kylian Mbappé’s arrival changed the distribution of prominence in the dressing room. The Frenchman has quickly established himself as one of the project’s main attacking references and is also among the leading candidates to compete for the next Ballon d’Or.

That new scenario may have pushed Vinicius away from a role that previously seemed reserved for him.

The difference is not only in the number of goals or in who gets the spotlight. It is also about who takes on the leadership role on and off the pitch.

One example of this can be found with the Brazilian national team.

During the last World Cup, especially after Raphinha’s injury, Vinicius took on a leading role for Brazil. The attacker was one of the team’s main offensive references and had much greater responsibility on the pitch.

At Real Madrid, the context is currently different.

Mbappé’s presence, together with the rest of the attacking stars, has changed the hierarchy and could be affecting the Brazilian’s confidence.

Another factor being pointed to is the physical side of things.

Although Vinicius joined preseason relatively early, his performances still do not show the same burst of acceleration that used to define him. His ability to gain ground, beat defenders, and change games with his pace has been one of his main weapons, but at the start of this campaign it has not been showing up as often.

The Brazilian also had a busy summer full of activity and important decisions, something that may have affected his preparation and the start of the season.

On top of all that, Vinicius had an especially eventful summer.

The Brazilian was at the center of months of uncertainty over his contract renewal with Real Madrid, while reports emerged about a possible move to Arsenal. In the end, he decided to stay with Los Blancos and extended his deal with the club.

In addition, Real Madrid signed Diomande, further increasing the competition and options in a squad already packed with attacking talent.

Between changes in leadership, physical issues, and a summer marked by rumors, Vinicius started the season in a very different context from previous years.

There is still a long way to go this season, and the situation can change quickly.

After the next international break, Vinicius will have the chance to rediscover his form and once again become the game-changing player Real Madrid need.

And the calendar has a particularly important test in store: El Clásico against Barcelona at the end of October.

By then, the big question will be whether Vinicius has rediscovered his spark or whether doubts over his performances will continue to grow.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.