Real Madrid began a new project under Jose Mourinho in the summer, and one of the biggest talking points at the time was whether Vinicius Junior would sign a new contract with the club.
The Brazilian’s contract negotiations had dragged on uncomfortably long, but Vinicius eventually put pen to paper on a new long-term deal with the Spanish club.
However, ever since signing the new contract, Vinicius has looked woefully out of sorts and unable to reach his previous heights.
Now, former France international Marcel Desailly believes Los Blancos should have parted ways with the South American superstar.
Desailly calls for Vinicius’ departure
Speaking on beIN Sports (h/t RM4Arab), Desailly questioned whether keeping both Mbappe and Vinicius was the right approach for Madrid going forward.
“I think Real Madrid should have let Vinicius leave. They need to look for other players,” Desailly said.
Vinicius Jr. is going through a difficult moment at Real Madrid. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
He then explained why he believes Madrid should reconsider the attacking partnership.
“Once again, we are talking about the partnership between Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius. This partnership has not proven successful.
“So, in my personal opinion as an analyst, I think it would be better for him to leave, and let’s see whether he would be able to erase all the negative thoughts and opinions directed towards him,” he elaborated.
His comments come in the wake of Vinicius’ red card against Villarreal, which has ruled him out of four La Liga matches.
Is Vinicius really Madrid’s biggest problem?
Desailly’s criticism touches on an important issue. Madrid have struggled to consistently maximise the qualities of Mbappe and Vinicius when both are on the pitch.
Both enjoy attacking from the left, creating situations where their movements can overlap rather than complement each other.
However, blaming Vinicius alone overlooks Madrid’s tactical difficulties. Their struggles to progress the ball through midfield are a bigger concern than their attacking shortcomings.
Selling Vinicius would not automatically fix that weakness. Madrid must first address why they have not looked to bring in a new midfielder since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Mourinho needs solutions, not another problem
There is also a strong argument that Madrid would lose something difficult to replace if they decide to sell Vinicius.
Selling Vinicius Jr. is not the solution to every Madrid problem out there. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
The 26-year-old is an exceptional one-v-one threat when at his best and can create chances against deep defensive blocks.
More importantly, he has scored goals in two different Champions League finals to help Madrid secure the trophy.
Desailly is right to question whether the partnership is working, but his proposed solution feels premature.
Mourinho is a masterful man-manager, and he needs to find a system that allows both his attacking superstars to coexist.
It remains to be seen whether this short break from La Liga football helps Vinicius and whether he returns re-energised and refreshed after serving his suspension.