Vinícius Júnior's blunt promise is exactly what Real Madrid fans needed to hear

If Real Madrid are going to be serious contenders to win both La Liga and the Champions League this season, they will need Vinícius Júnior to rediscover his best form. During the summer, amid strong interest from Arsenal, the Brazilian signed a new six year contract with the club, purportedly now earning €25 million a year, a major increase compared to what he was pocketing before.

However, is Vini Jr yet to justify this sizeable pay rise? So far this season, across seven appearances, the 25 year old has scored just one goal, on target against Real Sociedad in August, albeit most of the credit has to go to Jude Bellingham for the assist.

On Tuesday night, the criticism of Vinícius really came to a head. José Mourinho's side were 2-0 up at Elche and cruising, only to concede twice, seemingly throwing two points away. Nevertheless, as he did at Espanyol on the opening day, Carlos Espí came off the bench to snatch a stoppage time winner at Estadio Martínez Valero.

Vini though watched this moment from the bench, having been hooked mid-way through the second half, replaced by Brahim Díaz. This could be construed as Mourinho resting a key player ahead of Sunday's huge game, but that is not how it felt. Vinícius had five shots, of which only one tested Matías Dituro, completed zero dribbles and lost the ball nine times during 68 minutes on the field, nowhere near his usual high standard.

Posting on Instagram after full time, the forward promised that better is to come very soon.

"My goals will return soon. I can not miss so many. Sunday, more to come. ¡Hala Madrid! "

Vinícius Júnior

All four of Vini Jr's goal contributions this season have come at the Bernabéu, now under pressure to deliver across the Spanish capital. With Barcelona three points clear at the top, los Blancos having already lost at Real Betis, Real Madrid will feel they really must beat rivals Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday afternoon to keep pace.

Well, Vinícius has so far scored just three goals in 20 el Derbi Madrileño appearances, all of which have come at the Bernabéu. This includes a double when the pair most recently met in March, a thrilling 3-2 victory for Álvaro Arbeloa's side that night.

Now though, los Merengues really require Vini to step up at the Metropolitano. Florentino Pérez felt as though as could not allow one of the best players in the world to leave the club in his prime, hence why he was rewarded with an enormous pay rise. Well, now is the time for Vinícius to reiterate that he is indeed one of the world's best, and that this team is not all about Kylian Mbappé

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