Samuel Umtiti has expressed serious concerns about Vinicius Jr.’s declining performances at Real Madrid, suggesting the Brazilian has struggled to recover from losing the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Rodri.
The former Barcelona defender is among three prominent football figures, alongside Predrag Mijatovic and Jorge Valdano, who have questioned the winger’s current level following his difficult performance against AEK Athens.
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Speaking to RMC, Umtiti argued that Vinicius has lost the attacking threat that previously made him one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.
Umtiti believes Ballon d’Or disappointment affected Vinicius
The former Barcelona centre-back was quite direct when discussing the Brazilian’s struggles, pointing to his declining effectiveness in attacking situations.
“I feel sorry for him! He hasn’t been at his best for months now! He’s struggling with his final touch, he’s wasting so many chances – he’s no longer a threat,” Umtiti said.
He also identified the 2024 Ballon d’Or result as a possible turning point in the winger’s performances.
Vinicius Jr. is struggling with his form. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
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“Ever since he failed to win the Ballon d’Or, he’s been affected. We’re struggling to find the sparkling Vini of old.”
Mijatovic identifies pressure and competition as major problems
Former Real Madrid striker Predrag Mijatovic offered a different explanation, focusing on the increased competition for places and the pressure Vinicius now faces within the squad.
With Yan Diomande emerging as a serious alternative on the left flank, the Brazilian no longer enjoys the same degree of security in his starting position. Mijatovic believes that change has affected his approach.
“Until now he had no competition, but now he does, and it shows. He’s now playing under a lot of pressure.
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“He wants to be decisive at every moment and is far from his best.”
However, the former Madrid player remains confident that Vinicius can recover.
Several former players have questioned Vinicius’ authority at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“I think he needs to relax. I keep saying that Vinícius has a long season ahead of him and, if he focuses on improving, he can become a decisive player,” he said.
Valdano questions Vinicius’ place in Mourinho’s starting XI
Lastly, Jorge Valdano was equally unimpressed with Vinicius’ performance against AEK Athens, questioning whether the Brazilian had done enough to challenge for his starting position.
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“The word ‘acceptable’ doesn’t apply to a player like Vinicius. He took few on and didn’t always come out on top. He only produced one good move.”
The former Real Madrid player and manager also highlighted the competition provided by Diomande, suggesting the Brazilian’s latest display had done little to strengthen his position.
“This lacklustre performance isn’t helping him reclaim the spot that Diomande seems to have taken,” he concluded.
Source: SPORT
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
