Vinicius return gives Mourinho major Real Madrid dilemma over Mbappe

Real Madrid’s improved performances without Vinicius Junior have left Jose Mourinho facing a difficult decision when the Brazilian returns from suspension, with former goalkeeper Santi Canizares suggesting he should replace Kylian Mbappe as the team’s central striker.

Real Madrid defeated Valencia 3-0 at Mestalla in Vinicius’ most recent appearance before he was sent off against Villarreal and subsequently banned for four La Liga matches. Since then, the team’s performances have improved noticeably, turning the winger’s return into one of Mourinho’s biggest problems.

Speaking on radio station COPE, Canizares, who played for both Valencia and Real Madrid and represented Spain internationally, questioned how the manager would reintegrate Vinicius into the side.

“We will now see how he integrates him into the team,” Canizares said.

The former goalkeeper insisted Vinicius would not simply be left out of the team.

“Vinicius is clearly a player who will not go unnoticed, and he will not be marginalised,” he added.

Vinicius as a striker?

Canizares then proposed a solution that would change the balance of the Real Madrid attack: Vinicius should play as a traditional centre-forward, taking Mbappe’s position rather than operating alongside him on the wing.

“For me, the solution for Mourinho is for the Brazilian star to play as a striker instead of Mbappe,” he said.

The suggestion would put Vinicius at the heart of the attack and shift Mbappe out of the position he currently occupies. According to Canizares, that is the only realistic way to accommodate the Brazilian without disrupting the team’s structure.

However, he warned that playing both players together could come at a cost.

“It is the only possible alternative for him. With both of them on the pitch, the team can still win matches, but it will not have the same identity, the same balance or the same positive atmosphere,” Canizares said.

His comments underline the contrast between Real Madrid’s results with Vinicius in the team and the balance the side has shown in his absence. The club may continue to win with both forwards involved, but Canizares believes something important could be lost.

A difficult task for Mourinho

Canizares described the challenge facing Mourinho as particularly difficult and said successfully reintegrating Vinicius would represent a significant achievement.

“This is a difficult problem to solve. If he manages to play Vinicius and integrate him into the team’s dynamics, it would be a truly remarkable achievement,” he said.

“If Mourinho can make Vinicius run, he deserves a big round of applause,” Canizares added.

He also highlighted Jude Bellingham’s influence on Real Madrid’s performances, describing the midfielder as generous when he plays and saying he becomes frustrated when others avoid responsibility.

“When he is on the pitch, he is a very generous player. When he sees others shirking their responsibilities, it angers them. Even if he wanted to, it would not be the same. There are others like Bellingham, but it is more obvious with him,” Canizares said.

Real Madrid are scheduled to face Celta Vigo in La Liga on 21 November 2026. Before then, Mourinho must decide whether Vinicius can adapt to a more central role, contribute defensively and fit into the team’s established dynamic. If he cannot, Canizares warned, the issue could become a wider problem for the whole club.