AFCON 2025
Former Real Madrid director Predrag Mijatovic believes that Vinicius Junior’s performances have been affected by the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
Mijatovic thinks that Vinicius now plays with fear, uncertain about his role and how to assert himself with Mbappe on the team.
This observation comes after Real Madrid’s heavy defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals first leg. Vinicius was ineffective, failing to complete his three attempted dribbles, and offering nothing going forward.
Abysmal night from two superstars who are meant to create something out of nothing.
Vinicius and Mbappe were nowhere to be seen. They had chances to put their team back in it and were not up to the task.
Embarrassing from two of the best players in the world. pic.twitter.com/BMvKIDHex4
— EiF (@EiFSoccer) April 8, 2025
Mijatovic attributes this to the presence of Mbappe, suggesting that Vinicius is struggling to prove himself as the superior player.
Speaking to Cadena SER, Mijatovic said, “Since Mbappe arrived, Vinicius has shown a bit of fear, uncertainty about what to do now, especially in trying to convince the Madridistas who is better.
“They have not delivered as we expected.” Despite his impressive stats, with 19 goals and 14 assists in 43 games, the Brazilian has just 5 goals in his last 17 appearances, and must improve if Real are to stand a chance in the second leg.
