“His best version is the one who scores goals”. These were the words of José Mourinho, this Monday morning, when discussing the Vinicius Jr case. A clear message at a time when the Brazilian must regain this ability to change matches single-handedly. Faced with journalists, the Real Madrid coach, however, did not wish to overwhelm his attacker, readily recognizing his work for the team and his daily investment. However, the Special One expects more, especially in decisive areas.
To illustrate his point, Mourinho recalled the memory of the match against Benfica last season, when Vinicius took advantage of an opportunity on the counter to score a goal synonymous with victory. “Making assists is important, working for the team is very important, daily work is important and he does it very well… But there is another Vinicius. A Vinicius who, against Benfica last year, has an opportunity, scores a goal and sends us home. He lacks this very high level performance.launched the Portuguese, who knows better than anyone what the former Flamengo player is capable of producing when he is playing at his best level.
The great Vinicius is still waiting
Because Vinicius’ start to the season is far from catastrophic on a statistical level, but it still leaves an impression of unfinished business. After five days of La Liga, the Madrid number 7 has a goal and three assists, to which is added an assist in the 4-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano. Figures which show that he remains involved in Real’s offensives, without giving the feeling of dominating matches as he has done in the past. Against Inter Milan in the Champions League, in particular, Vinicius failed to make an impact offensively and was even whistled during his exit, despite significant defensive activity.
This relative irregularity ultimately contrasts with the 2025-2026 season, during which Vinicius signed his best career statistics with 26 goals and 15 assists in 58 matches in all competitions. In La Liga, he notably finished with 16 goals and 5 assists. The problem is therefore not whether the Brazilian remains capable of being decisive, but rather finding the consistency and impact that made him one of the most feared players in world football. Before returning to Elche on the 6th day of La Liga, José Mourinho therefore asked for this extra spark: the one which transforms a good performance into an individual demonstration and an opportunity into a goal.
