Canizares proposes new role for Vinicius as Real Madrid’s attacking balance is questioned

Santiago Canizares has suggested that Vinicius Junior could return to Real Madrid as a central striker and act as an alternative to Kylian Mbappe, after the Spanish club’s results improved during the Brazilian’s absence.

The former Real Madrid goalkeeper believes Jose Mourinho faces a difficult decision when Vinicius becomes available for domestic competition again. Real Madrid have won a series of matches without the winger, while Ivory Coast forward Yan Diomande has taken his opportunity on the left side of the attack.

“For me, the solution is for Vinicius to play as the central striker and be Mbappe’s replacement,” Canizares said, in comments reported by Mundo Deportivo.

“Vinicius is a player who cannot, of course, be ignored, and Mourinho will not leave him out of his plans. The team can win with both him and Mbappe, but it will not retain the same identity, balance or positive atmosphere.”

The proposal comes during a difficult period for Vinicius, whose attacking output has declined and who has faced criticism from Real Madrid supporters at Santiago Bernabeu.

He has scored one goal and provided three assists in 874 minutes across all competitions this season, contributing to a goal approximately every 219 minutes.

Canizares’ suggestion also raises questions over whether Vinicius would accept becoming a regular substitute after previously being regarded as the team’s leading star. Mourinho has criticised the player himself, replacing him early during the Champions League match against Roma after a technical error contributed to a goal being conceded. The Portuguese manager also made clear his frustration with some of Vinicius’ actions on the pitch.

Vinicius’ problems increased when he was sent off against Villarreal on 10 October after pulling the hair of opposing player Nathan Saliba. The disciplinary committee subsequently gave him a four-match La Liga suspension: two matches for the incident and two more for protesting against the referee.

The appeals committee rejected Real Madrid’s request to reduce the punishment on 16 October. As a result, Vinicius missed matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander and Valencia, with the Clasico at Camp Nou the highest-profile fixture among them.

Diomande takes his chance

Diomande has made the most of Vinicius’ absence after being given an opportunity on the left wing, producing performances that have made an immediate return to the starting line-up less certain.

He scored and assisted in the 4-1 victory against Sevilla, then contributed again against Leipzig. The Ivorian also impressed in Real Madrid’s 2-1 Clasico win over Barcelona before scoring in the 3-0 victory against Racing Santander.

Diomande started once more against Valencia, helping Real Madrid to a 3-0 win and underlining that he is no longer simply an emergency replacement.

Real Madrid have won all four La Liga matches played without Vinicius, scoring 12 goals and taking 12 points. Their victory over Valencia was also an eighth consecutive win in all competitions, lifting them to 30 points, three behind leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid are scheduled to face Tavernes de la Valldigna in the Copa del Rey on 10 November 2026 and Celta Vigo in La Liga on 21 November 2026.