Real Madrid is having a start to the season with ups and downs. Obviously, it is rather the lows that attract the public’s attention, also because there was this defeat in the derby against Atlético de Madrid last weekend (2-1). The extra-sporting affair around the t-shirt supporting the inhabitants of Ceuta half-put on by Mbappé, Konaté and Vinicius, does not help matters, especially for the three players mentioned. The French striker is often the subject of criticism, despite his stacked goals, not always in big matches.
Observers also noted the questionable positioning of the former Parisian. By often placing himself on the left, he encroaches on the zone intended for the Brazilian. The last impressions are even blatant. More generally, Vinícius Júnior’s form is disappointing at the start of the season. For the moment, he maintains an untouchable status in the eyes of José Mourinho with his 3 assists (1 goal) in eight matches in all competitions, but his coach will not be able to defend him forever. A move to the bench cannot be ruled out soon.
Diomandé acclaimed
An opinion shared by observers, like Santiago Cañizares, former Valencia and Real goalkeeper. “ This is a player who, currently, and even with the captain’s armband, harms much more than he contributes. We can afford one player who doesn’t run, two, it’s impossible. If we add a third, it’s catastrophic. I think these attitudes disorganize the team, forcing defenders to defend in the box and midfielders to go back to defense, and it doesn’t work », he explained to Game Time at the start of the week.
Worse still for the man who has just extended his contract until 2032, the rise in power of Yan Diomandé in his last appearances puts him under pressure. During the derby, the Ivorian replaced Vinicius Jr before the hour mark and brought his percussion and freshness. On his left flank, the €140 million summer recruit has assumed his responsibilities. He now has the support of supporters, most of whom want to see him start in the eleven instead of the usual holder, according to the various polls of Marca. The Brazilian is aware of disappointing, and he intends not to let it happen. It’s rather positive for Real and Mourinho.
