Real Madrid are a club where expectations know no bounds. The team constantly strives for excellence and aims to keep adding more and more trophies to their cabinet. As a result, fans expect nothing but the best from the Los Blancos players in each and every match.
One inconsistent season from a player, and he often faces harsh criticism regardless of his past accomplishments with the club. Something similar has been happening with Vinicius Junior this season. The Brazilian forward who was hailed as a hero for Los Blancos not too far ago has been unfairly criticized by fans in recent times. Some fans have even gone so far as to call for the player to be sold to another club.
But is this criticism truly justified, considering all the success Vinicius has brought to Real Madrid and the countless times he’s been the decisive factor in an important match?
Real Madrid fans need to show more respect to Vinicius Junior
Vinicius joined the Los Blancos back in 2018 from Brazilian club Flamengo. Despite a shaky start to his Real Madrid days, he has quickly established himself as the best left winger in the world. He has scored 105 goals and provided 82 assists in his Real Madrid. It was only a few months back that Vinicius was awarded the The Best FIFA Men’s Player award for his performances in 2023-24 season.
Last season, Vinicius was exceptional, scoring 25 goals and providing 12 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. These stats include his contributions in important matches like in the Champions League final against Dortmund where he scored once and also his two goals in the semi-final clash with Bayern Munich.
Despite his incredible performances throughout the season, Vinicius lost the Ballon d'Or in a controversial decision. Things haven’t been the same for him since, and he’s lost some of the spark he had last season. However, that hasn’t stopped him from registering 20 goals and 14 assists this season.
So, the fans might want to think twice before criticizing the Brazilian. At any other club in the world, except Real Madrid, 20 goals and 14 assists in a season would be considered a good performance for a winger.
And when it comes to inconsistency, the team as a whole has struggled this season. The major reasons behind this has been injuries to key players, combined with the board’s failure to bring in backups. It’ not as if Vinicius is underperforming while the rest of the squad is excelling.
Lately, Vinicius has been regaining his form and improving upon his performances. We are confident that he will be back to his best in no time after this rough patch.
Before criticising the Brazilian any further, fans should remember that he’s only human, and fluctuations in form are part of a player’s career. Also it’s noteworthy that Vinicius is only 24 now and has achieved so much already in his Real Madrid career.
The criticism he has received is unfair and unjustified. Vinicius is passionate about Real Madrid and has proven his commitment time and time again. If this isn’t the time for the fans to stand by the player who has given everything for the club, then when is?