Through the opening eight matches, Vinicius has produced one goal and three assists, marking his poorest start to a season since the pandemic. His performance in the clash against Atletico Madrid stood out for its limited involvement, tallying just 22 touches—the fewest of any Madrid player, including substitutes. In that game he completed eight passes and made one successful dribble, underlining an unusual drop in influence for a winger known for threatening defenses consistently.
The coach’s stance has remained confident. With Vinicius having logged 652 minutes this season, he is Madrid’s fourth-most-used player, trailing only Federico Valverde (654 minutes) and the ever-present trio of Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappé (both around 720 minutes). This suggests the coaching staff still views him as a core component of Madrid’s plans, shifting focus to strategies that can boost his involvement.
A key challenge for Madrid is reconnecting Vinicius with the attack. The most effective form for him often comes when he faces defenders with space to accelerate and teammates positioned to provide passing options. Potential remedies include enhancing links between the left-back, midfield, and forward lines, so Vinicius can receive the ball in more dangerous areas rather than from isolated positions. Players like Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham are expected to play roles in drawing defenders away from the Brazilian’s side, increasing the likelihood of creating chances.
If Madrid can tailor its buildup to create tighter, more dynamic connections on the left flank, Vinicius’s threat level could rise substantially. The coaching staff is hopeful that, after the international break, results will reflect improvements in his form and contribution.
