24-year-old Real Madrid superstar yet to hit the ground running in new campaign

Real Madrid have had a mixed start to the season, uncharacteristically dropping points in La Liga and finding themselves four points behind FC Barcelona. The results have started coming in recent weeks but the performances have left a lot to be desired. The team is sorely missing the presence of Toni Kroos in midfield and has been unable to replace him as of yet.

Despite signing Kylian Mbappe this summer, Carlo Ancelotti is yet to get the best out of his talented and star-studded attack with the likes of Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Rodrygo often looking to be on different wavelengths on the pitch. Even in the games that they have won, Los Blancos have had to depend on penalties to get through and have Thibaut Courtois to thank for not losing to Stuttgart in the Champions League.

Amid the confusion surrounding Real Madrid, one bigger issue is on the horizon. As per Mundo Deportivo, Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. is faltering in the last lap of his pursuit for the Ballon d’Or. The 24-year-old is the favourite to win the prestigious award but when it matters, he is failing to step up with the goods. So far this season, both his stats and his performances have been underwhelming.

In seven games so far for Real Madrid across all competitions, Vini has scored two goals and provided one assist. Both his goals have come from the spot and he is often seen cutting a frustrated figure during games. After years of being the spearhead of the attack for the Whites, the arrival of Kylian Mbappe is slowly yet surely seeing a shifting of the limelight at Santiago Bernabeu.

Despite this poor start to the new season, Vinicius is expected to walk away with the award. The other realistic competitors are Manchester City’s Rodri and his own teammate Jude Bellingham, both of whom have not enjoyed the best of starts to the season themselves. The Spaniard is yet to become a regular starter in Pep Guardiola’s team after the lack of pre-season preparations whilst Jude has been battling with injuries.

However, deep down, the 24-year-old will know that should he not step up soon, Mbappe could run away with the mantle of being the superstar of the club. More so, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal is taking La Liga by storm this season with three goals and four assists in just five games and the Brazilian has to regain his crown, which is slipping away. However, if there is anyone who can do it, it is him.

Let’s face the facts here. Vinicius is one of the best wingers in the world and has been performing on a consistent level for a few seasons now. Every player, including the very best, has had phases when the goals and assists don’t come and it’s only a matter of time before he rediscovers his mojo. One performance is all it takes for a player like the Brazilian to return to his very best.

From a Real Madrid perspective, one would hope that Vinicius sooner rather than later rediscovers his mojo. He is all set to walk away with the prestigious award on October 28 and should he want to make it a habit, he will have to turn things around soon. Let’s see if the 24-year-old can put all the noise behind him and hit top gear very soon.