Vinícius Júnior has not experienced worse or more difficult moments in football since establishing himself a few years ago as a Real Madrid superstar and one of the best players on the planet. Let’s also remember the moment exactly two years ago, when he came very close to officially becoming the best… However, the Ballon d’Or went to Rodri, and the offended, hurt and disappointed Brazilian told the world via his Instagram account: “I’ll do it ten more times if I have to. They’re not ready.” From hinting that the Ballon d’Or would be his the following year to reaching his own lowest point in elite football.Mourinho's blunt admission: "I probably wouldn't be here if I were Vinicius"Last year, the 26-year-old was also booed by Real fans… partly because of the uncertainty surrounding his contract extension, partly because, as one of the team’s leaders, he became lost in Real’s mediocrity last season, and partly because of his lack of understanding with Xabi Alonso, who was “shown the door” in January despite leading the Royal Club’s major project. Vini also flirted with Arsenal last July, as they were keen to sign him, but he always knew he would stay at the Santiago Bernabéu. In August, he signed a new contract until 2032, but instead of giving him the fuel for a powerful start to the season, the Brazilian failed to take off. The wheels gave out and the plane never made it to the runway. It is still in the hangar, with mechanics trying to fix the problem.##EDITORS_CHOICE##To be clear, from the moment he arrived, José Mourinho showed great affection for the Brazil international. However, Vinícius seems to have pressed the self-destruct button and put his place in the starting XI at risk. He is struggling with his output — just one goal and three assists in his first 11 matches — and even more so with his discipline. A little less than a month ago, he shamefully pulled Villarreal player Nathan Saliba by the hair and received a four-match suspension, which he is still serving. A few days later, he gifted Roma a goal at the Olimpico, and had Real not turned the game around to win 4–3, the Brazilian would have been one of the main culprits. The media are predicting that Vini will start tonight against AEK, and the question is what kind of mental and physical condition Real’s star will be in when he takes to the pitch.The Bernabeu has turned on Vinicius – and wants Diomande insteadYan Diomande has made excellent use of Vinícius’s absence so far, delivering four goals and three assists in six matches and undoubtedly putting fresh pressure on his direct rival for a place in the starting XI. While Diomande has been shining, Vini has struggled in the Champions League and, because of his suspension, has missed La Liga matches. He will not be eligible to play in the league again until 21 November, against Celta.Blow after blow for United: Real Madrid steal Red Devils' greatest gem?According to The Athletic, which cites anonymous sources familiar with the situation, the whole episode has prompted Vinícius to engage in serious self-criticism. In other words, the footballer is aware of his own mistakes and dip in form. His recent breakup is also said to have had a significant impact on him. The Brazilian is actively working to refocus completely on his game and is also following a special training programme to make up for the matches he has missed and maintain full match fitness.##NAJAVA_MECA_10088127##As for Mourinho’s stance, it remains unchanged. He will continue to give Vinícius his full support and do everything within his power to help the Brazilian return to his best.“He is making good progress and has the right attitude; he works hard at home, too,” a person involved in the day-to-day running of Madrid’s first team told The Athletic. This attitude is half the battle. All that remains is for Vinícius to keep his composure and not lose his head when he steps onto the pitch again. And that has always been a fairly challenging task for the temperamental Vini.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUEMatchday 4Wednesday20.45: (12.0) AEK Athens (7.50) Real Madrid (1.22)20.45: (5.40) Fenerbahce (5.00) Liverpool (1.52)23.00: (1.70) Borussia Dortmund (4.20) Real Betis (4.30)23.00: (3.00) Lens (4.00) Como (2.15)23.00: (2.10) PSV (4.20) Club Brugge (2.95)23.00: (1.97) Porto (3.80) Napoli (3.50)23.00: (4.90) RB Leipzig (5.20) Manchester City (1.57)23.00: (11.0) Slavia Prague (6.25) Arsenal (1.25)23.00: (1.42) Viking (5.00) Sabah Baku (6.25)***odds are subject to change***
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