Mourinho maintains unwavering faith in Real Madrid superstar despite his poor form – report
· Yahoo Sports
Vinicius Junior may be enduring one of his most difficult starts to a season at Real Madrid, with the Brazilian looking like a pale shadow of his former self.
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However, his position in Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up remains secure. The Portuguese manager continues to believe in the Brazilian and is determined to help him rediscover his best form.
According to AS, Mourinho considers Vinicius an essential part of his attacking system.
Rather than questioning his place in the team, the coaching staff are exploring tactical adjustments that could help the winger become more influential.
Vinicius struggling to make his usual impact
The numbers highlight just how difficult the opening weeks have been.
Vinicius has managed only one goal and three assists in his first eight matches, representing his poorest start to a season since the pandemic.
His performance against Atletico Madrid was particularly concerning. The Brazilian recorded just 22 touches, fewer than any other Madrid player, including substitutes Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva.
Vinicius has struggled to get going at Real Madrid. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
He completed only eight passes and attempted a single dribble, although that attempt was successful.
For a player whose greatest strength is his ability to constantly threaten defenders, such limited involvement is unusual.
Mourinho refuses to lose faith
Despite those struggles, Mourinho’s confidence has remained remarkably consistent.
Vinicius has played 652 minutes this season, making him Madrid’s fourth-most-used player.
Only Federico Valverde, with 654 minutes, and the ever-present Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappe, both on 720 minutes, have featured more.
All this indicates that Mourinho still sees Vinicius as a fundamental part of his plans. The focus is therefore shifting towards finding ways to improve the Brazilian’s involvement.
Madrid must find a way to reconnect Vinicius with the attack
The most promising solution may involve changing how Madrid create opportunities on the left.
Vinicius is most dangerous when he receives possession facing defenders, with space to accelerate and team-mates offering nearby passing options.
Mourinho’s aim is to get the Brazilian back to his best level. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
If Madrid can establish better connections between their left-back, midfield and attack, the Brazilian could receive the ball in more threatening positions instead of being isolated.
Arda Guler’s creativity and Jude Bellingham’s movement could also become important in drawing defenders away from his side.
Mourinho has an opportunity to make Madrid less predictable while bringing Vinicius back to the centre of his plans.
If Vinicius can get anywhere close to his best level, Los Blancos’ attack would look much more threatening than it does at the moment.
It remains to be seen whether Mourinho manages to get the Brazilian fit and firing in the coming weeks after the international break.