Vinicius Junior is going through a difficult period at Real Madrid, with his performances at the start of the season falling below expectations.
The Brazil winger has struggled to make the same impact he produced during previous campaigns. His role in Real Madrid’s attack has also come under discussion as the team continues to adapt to the presence of Kylian Mbappe.
Both players often operate in similar areas of the pitch, which can make it harder for Vinicius to have the same influence he once enjoyed. His decision-making in the final third has also appeared less effective, while his confidence in attacking situations has come under pressure.
Despite those concerns, former Real Madrid player Savio Bortolini believes Vinicius should not be judged too harshly.
The former Brazil international understands that every footballer goes through difficult periods. He also believes Vinicius has the talent and ability needed to overcome his current struggles.
Savio Understands Vinicius Junior’s Situation
Savio admits that it is difficult for him to fully assess Vinicius’ situation because he is not currently in Madrid.
The former Real Madrid player does not see the winger in training every day and does not know everything that is happening behind the scenes. Therefore, he prefers to be careful when discussing the reasons behind Vinicius’ current form.
Even so, Savio recognises that the winger is experiencing a challenging period.
“Saying exactly what is happening is complicated because I see it from Brazil. I don’t follow the training sessions every day, nor do I know everything that happens,” Savio told Marca.
He believes the current situation should not automatically be viewed as a major long-term problem.
Vinicius has already experienced difficult moments during his career. According to Savio, those periods are part of football and can happen even to established players.
“He is going through a more difficult period than he has experienced before here. However, this is normal. All footballers go through good and bad moments. It is part of the game,” Savio explained.
Kylian Mbappe Has Changed Real Madrid’s Attack
One factor that has received attention is the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
The French forward has added another major attacking presence to the Real Madrid squad. However, his preferred areas of the pitch can overlap with Vinicius, creating a different dynamic in the final third.
That change can affect how Vinicius receives the ball and how much space he has to attack defenders.
For several seasons, Vinicius has been one of Real Madrid’s most dangerous attacking players. His pace, movement and ability to take on defenders have made him a key part of the team.
The current situation requires him to adapt.
Vinicius must find ways to remain effective even when he operates in areas that are shared with other attacking players. That process can take time, particularly when a team is adjusting its attacking structure.
His recent performances have also suggested that confidence may be an issue.
When an attacking player is not enjoying his best form, decisions in the final third can become more difficult. A pass, dribble or shot that once came naturally can suddenly require more thought.
Vinicius Has Already Overcome Difficult Moments
Savio believes Vinicius’ career provides an important reason for patience.
The Brazilian winger made the move from Flamengo’s youth system to the senior team at a very young age. He then moved to Real Madrid and had to adapt to the demands of playing for one of the biggest clubs in world football.
That process was not instant.
Vinicius needed time to build his confidence and become comfortable at the highest level. His development eventually turned him into an important player for Real Madrid.
Savio believes that history should not be forgotten simply because the winger is currently struggling.
“He is a young player who practically moved straight from Flamengo’s youth team to the first team. At that time, he needed a little patience and care. He then built his confidence and made history at the club,” Savio said.
That experience could help Vinicius deal with his current situation.
Rather than treating his recent struggles as a permanent decline, Savio believes the winger needs time to rediscover his confidence and rhythm.
Vinicius Junior Needs Mental Strength
For a player in a difficult run of form, the mental side of the game can be just as important as physical ability.
Vinicius has already shown that he can perform at the highest level. His development at Real Madrid is evidence of the progress he has made since arriving from Brazil.
Savio believes those qualities have not disappeared.
The former Real Madrid player is asking for patience while Vinicius works through the current period.
“He is not in his best period right now, of course, but he will get through this phase because he has the talent and ability. We have to wait,” Savio added.
That message could be important for Vinicius as he looks to regain his best form.
The winger does not need to prove that he has talent. Instead, he needs to rediscover the confidence that previously allowed him to play with freedom.
Patience Could Be Important for Vinicius
Vinicius Junior’s current situation has created questions about his role at Real Madrid, but Savio’s message is clear.
Difficult periods are a normal part of a footballer’s career. Even players who have reached the highest level can experience stretches when their performances do not match their usual standards.
For Vinicius, the key could be giving himself time to adapt to the changing dynamics of Real Madrid’s attack.
Several factors will be important as he looks to return to his best:
- Rebuilding confidence in attacking situations.
- Adapting to playing alongside Kylian Mbappe.
- Making better decisions in the final third.
- Using his pace and movement more effectively.
- Maintaining the mental strength that helped him develop at Real Madrid.
Savio’s comments offer support rather than criticism.
The former Real Madrid player recognises that Vinicius is going through a difficult period, but he does not believe it should define the winger’s career.
Vinicius has already overcome challenges since moving from Flamengo to Madrid. Now, another test awaits him.
If he can regain his confidence and find the right balance within Real Madrid’s attack, the Brazilian still has the opportunity to show the qualities that made him such an important player for the club.
For now, patience may be the most important factor. As Savio pointed out, every footballer experiences good and bad moments. Vinicius Junior’s current challenge is to make sure this difficult period becomes another stage in his development rather than a lasting setback.
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