Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe have been the focus of considerable attention this season. While both players are exceptional individually, their team performance appears to suffer from time to time.
Prior to getting Mbappe, the widespread perception was that partnering the Frenchman with Vinicius Jr. would make Real Madrid's attack the most explosive in all Europe. But this has yet to be realized. Something feels odd, as the two forwards haven't gotten along so well on the field.
And, without hesitation, I'll call a spade a spade. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior do not create a nice pair. They haven't, so far. The two continuously overlap, and their functions are not clearly defined.
Without a doubt, both forwards work hard to produce results for the club, but they have failed miserably this season. They have underperformed in practically every major game, particularly El Clasicos.
Mbappe and Vinicius need to turn things around in the Copa Del Rey El Clasico
Two El Clasicos were lost. Two more to go. If done correctly, Vinicius and Mbappe might benefit the team greatly. However, there must be a sound plan for this.
First and foremost, Mbappe and Vinicius should discuss their respective collective and individual duties. Contouring each other's tasks will not make things better, but will instead lead to another bad night.
After that, Kylian Mbappe really has to work on his game. He has been quite awful in recent games, and it is blatantly evident. He has made relatively few contributions to the squad's efforts and has demonstrated less than necessary will.
Mbappe was terrible in the two awful games against Arsenal. Extremely terrible. He did little to aid the squad and kept sabotaging opportunities. He appeared afraid and completely overshadowed. That is not what a major player like him does on a big game night.
Something should be done. I don't know what, but something. The situation cannot continue in this manner.
Vinicius, on the other hand, should do more. The Brazilian has been a ghost of his former self, and he has definitely not performed like he did last season. He has demonstrated the same energy and willingness that he usually shows, but nothing matches it. Intention without action is nothing more than self-deception.
It will be difficult to defeat Barcelona in the cup final. Real Madrid has already lost one to them. Another would be humiliating. Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe are responsible for ensuring that this does not happen. For once, the two need to work together.