Vinicius Junior’s fading influence linked to Real Madrid’s midfield problems

Real Madrid’s struggles to bring the best out of Vinicius Junior have been linked to the departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, whose passing and movement previously helped the Brazilian winger exploit space and attack defenders.

Analysts on Cadena SER’s Bar Siqui y Flaky programme suggested that Modric and Kroos played an important role in directing Vinicius’ runs and supplying the passes he needed to accelerate behind opposing defences.

Eloy Lisena said the two midfielders were able to understand Vinicius’ movement and deliver the ball at the right moment, helping him become a more influential player in recent seasons.

Lisena said he would like to hear Modric and Kroos’ assessment of Real Madrid’s current midfield, wondering what the pair might say if they were watching the team’s matches from outside the pitch.

The programme’s analysts argued that Vinicius’ reduced impact should not be viewed solely as an individual issue. They said it was also connected to the way Real Madrid build attacks, with the team lacking players capable of quickly and accurately finding the areas the winger is best at exploiting.

Real Madrid have faced criticism for a lack of fluency in midfield. The assessment was that having fast players in the forward line is not enough if they are not given the support and passes required to make use of their pace.

That places responsibility on Jose Mourinho not only to restore Vinicius to his best form, but also to create a system that gives him the conditions which previously allowed him to make a decisive difference, particularly when he benefited from the intelligence and passing of Modric and Kroos.

Guler out of position as Silva waits

Lisena also questioned the use of Arda Guler, saying the player is not operating in his natural position, which has limited his influence during matches.

He added that Bernardo Silva has been given only limited playing time despite having the experience and ability to improve Real Madrid’s build-up play. Espai, he said, had also not been given enough opportunities to show what he can do.

Lisena called for Mourinho’s comments at news conferences to be reflected in his team selections and tactical decisions, rather than remaining verbal criticism.

He pointed out that Real Madrid had given Vinicius eight matches to recover his form and asked why Bernardo Silva had not been granted a similar opportunity, even if that meant starting him in four consecutive games.

Real Madrid failed to sign Rodri or Dominik Szoboszlai during the summer, Lisena noted, but still have Bernardo Silva on the bench as a potential source of additional midfield solutions while their attacking play lacks fluency.

Lisena also criticised Mourinho’s decision during the derby to send on Eduardo Camavinga with Real Madrid’s first substitution. He argued that the player’s return to the pitch did not solve the problems that had emerged against Atletico Madrid.