The atmosphere at Santiago Bernabéu has turned tense for Vinicius Jr, as frustration grows among fans following his prolonged goal drought. In the recent clash against Manchester City, murmurs of discontent echoed through the stands as the Brazilian winger struggled to find his rhythm. With twelve consecutive matches without a goal, a streak that dates back to early October when he scored twice against Villarreal, Vinicius is feeling the weight of expectations. For a player known for his attacking prowess, over two months without finding the net feels like an eternity.
Despite this barren run, it would be misleading to view Vinicius solely through the lens of goal-scoring. He remains an integral part of Real Madrid‘s offensive setup, consistently making runs and creating opportunities. In the match against City, he was the most dynamic player on the pitch for Madrid, generating multiple chances and shots on goal. According to AS, during this twelve-match stretch, only Kylian Mbappé has registered more attempts than Vinicius. This underscores his continued influence on the game, even if the end product has been lacking.
Missed Opportunities and Unfortunate Circumstances
Vinicius’s current predicament is further complicated by a series of unfortunate events. He has had two goals disallowed for offside—one in Athens and another in Girona—and also missed a crucial penalty against Valencia. These instances contribute to the growing frustration surrounding his performance. Advanced statistics reveal that based on expected goals (xG), he should have netted four to five goals during this period. This statistic highlights not just a lack of form but also a series of near-misses that have compounded his struggles.
A Shift in Expectations
The contrast between this season and last is stark. At this point last year, Vinicius was a key figure for Real Madrid while Mbappé was grappling with his own challenges. Now, roles have reversed; while Mbappé finds the back of the net with ease, Vinicius is left searching for answers. This shift has intensified scrutiny and comparisons between the two players, adding pressure on Vinicius to deliver.
Even amidst this drought, it’s worth noting that he remains Madrid’s second-highest scorer this season with five goals—a testament to how dependent the team has become on him alongside Mbappé. The imbalance in offensive contributions is glaringly apparent; each match without direct involvement from Vinicius becomes increasingly noticeable.
Moreover, since an altercation with Xabi Alonso during El Clásico, Vinicius has been under heightened scrutiny from fans and media alike. Once regarded as a beloved figure at Bernabéu, he now faces mounting expectations in a climate where results are critical and patience is dwindling.
However, cycles at Real Madrid can change rapidly. A decisive play or a game-winning goal could shift perceptions overnight. Vinicius has not lost his explosive ability or knack for creating danger; fans are simply yearning for him to translate that potential into tangible results once again. With every match presenting new opportunities, can he turn this narrative around?
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