Vinicius under pressure as Real Madrid’s new attacking formula takes shape

Real Madrid are progressing at pace under Jose Mourinho despite the absence of the player expected to be their leading star, with Kylian Mbappe and new signing Diomande forming a partnership that has cast doubt over Vinicius Junior’s immediate future in the starting line-up.

Vinicius, previously capable of changing matches on his own, has struggled to maintain his usual influence. His situation was examined on the Cadena SER programme Ser Deportivos, where journalists close to Real Madrid, Anton Meana and Javier Herraez, discussed the concerns surrounding the Brazil international.

The unease at Valdebebas has become increasingly public. Herraez described Vinicius’ difficulties as “a mixture of sporting and personal factors” and said restoring his form had become one of the club’s main priorities.

“He made a poor start to the season and he is loved by the people at Valdebebas, but when someone admits their mistake, this kind of public criticism does not help the club or anyone else,” Herraez told Cadena SER.

Meana offered a more troubling assessment, saying: “There is reason to be concerned because Vinicius is not well, and the statistics the club has about him suggest he will not recover soon.”

He added that playing regularly could still help Vinicius regain his level, but questioned whether he could adapt quickly enough to Real Madrid’s current momentum.

“It is good that he is playing and getting minutes, but my feeling when I watch Real Madrid is that the team is moving very quickly and Vinicius will not be able to catch up,” Meana said.

“Diomande has settled the issue, and Mbappe often performs better without Vinicius. I see a blurred future for Vinicius in the starting XI in the short term.”

Meana also acknowledged the significant division among Real Madrid supporters over the Brazilian forward.

Club plan remains unchanged

Despite Diomande’s impressive start, both journalists agreed that Real Madrid do not regard him as a direct replacement for Vinicius.

“The club’s plan was Diomande, Mbappe and Vinicius. I do not know Mourinho’s plan,” Herraez said.

Meana added: “The information we receive from the club is that this is Real Madrid’s Diomande, Mbappe and Vinicius. They do not see any competition that could replace him, even if Diomande plays.”

He said Ibrahim Diaz, Bernardo Silva, Carlos Espai and Endrick were viewed as players who would provide squad depth or options from the bench.

Vinicius’ suspension for Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona means Mourinho will be without him for the biggest match, but it also removes the need to decide whether to leave him out.

Asked whether Real Madrid are a better team without Vinicius, Meana replied: “Yes. He is not well, and you need people who are fully fit.”

He described the suspension as a benefit for the coaching staff because it avoids the difficult decision of dropping the Brazilian.

“It is a difficult decision, and the fact that he is suspended makes Jose Mourinho’s task easier,” Meana said.