Vinicius leaves Real Madrid stunned

After being doubted and criticized at the start of the season, Vinicius is answering back with outstanding performances, netting five goals and assisting four times in only eight La Liga games.

Once questioned about his form after missing out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or, Vinicius began the new season under considerable pressure. The arrival of Kylian Mbappe seemed to threaten his position at Real Madrid, especially as coach Xabi Alonso occasionally benched him in the opening rounds. However, instead of reacting negatively, Vinicius chose to prove his worth through his on-field performances, delivering the most impressive start in his seven seasons with the Royal Club.

After eight La Liga matches, the Brazilian player has scored five goals and assisted four times — his best rate since joining Real Madrid. These figures far exceed his own previous season starts. In 2023/24, after eight games, Vinicius had only two goals and one assist, while in 2022/23 he scored five goals but managed just one assist.

Notably, during the 2021/22 season — when he exploded onto the scene and played a key role in Real's European triumph — Vinicius recorded five goals and three assists after eight rounds. These stats highlight that he is currently at his peak since arriving at Bernabeu.

This improvement stems from various factors, notably Vinicius’s adaptability and professional attitude. Under Alonso, the 25-year-old has been asked to engage more in pressing and off-ball movement. He no longer holds the ball too long but opts for efficient play, combining smoothly with Mbappe and Bellingham.

Mbappe attracting most of the opposition’s defensive focus also creates more space for Vinicius to exploit, allowing him to shine consistently with six goals in the last five matches.

Vinicius’s form has become a key factor in Real Madrid’s strong start to this La Liga season. Despite heavy pressure after the Club World Cup, he remains calm and mature, showcasing clinical finishing and creative vision. Many experts believe that if he maintains this level, Vinicius could enter the most explosive phase of his career, especially with El Clasico approaching — the stage where he often performs best.

What makes Vinicius’s journey remarkable is how he overcame skepticism to prove himself through action. Once doubted as “Mbappe’s shadow,” he is gradually turning pressure into motivation to excel. The new season has just begun, but with his impressive scoring rate and relentless fighting spirit, Vinicius is proving he remains one of the brightest stars at Real Madrid and in La Liga.

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