The Spanish newspaper "AS" highlighted the decline in the performance of Brazilian Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid's winger, during the start of the current season, as he has been far from his usual level and his goal-scoring rate has dropped significantly.
The newspaper noted that Vinicius is experiencing his most difficult start since the coronavirus pandemic, having scored only one goal in his first 8 matches with Real Madrid this season, while the player continues to acknowledge his need to regain his form.
According to "AS", Vinicius realizes that his current level is far from his best version, which has led him to adopt a stance of self-criticism, given the decline in his offensive impact and his failure to appear at his usual standard.
Vinicius ranks fourth among Real Madrid players in terms of minutes played this season with 652 minutes, behind Federico Valverde who has played 654 minutes, while Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappé have played all available minutes, totaling 720 minutes each.
Vinicius scored his only goal this season during the 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the second round of La Liga, and he has also provided 3 assists for his teammates so far.
"AS" statistics indicate that Vinicius's current start is his worst in terms of goalscoring since his debut with Real Madrid, excluding his first two seasons, as he has scored one goal every 652 minutes during his first 8 matches this season.
Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of the Brazil national team, recently admitted that Vinicius is "not in his best state," but emphasized his importance and his confidence in the player's ability to make a difference.
In contrast, Real Madrid continues its support, with manager Jose Mourinho sticking by the player and considering him an essential part of his project, despite the slump Vinicius is currently experiencing.
Vinicius summarizes his situation with the phrase "Minha culpa" (My fault), acknowledging responsibility for his current state and expressing his desire to return to his best version.
