Vinicius Jr’s Brazil performances are cause for concern

Vinícius with Brazil is not the same we see at Real Madrid: even when he plays brilliantly, he struggles to be decisive. In the recent match against Venezuela, he was Brazil’s standout performer, earning a penalty and having the guts to step up and take it. However, as he struck the ball the ghosts returned and the winger missed from the spot.

The Real Madrid star approached the first match of the November break with an iron fist, seeking redemption after the outcry in his home country over a Ballon d‘Or ’snub' that saw Spaniard Rodri pip him at the post. He pushed relentlessly, created chances, and wreaked havoc on the opposing defence. Despite Aramburu’s remarkable marking, Vinícius delivered one of his best performances with the Canarinha.

Vini is not even Brazil’s second-best winger

He completed 14 successful dribbles against Venezuela, his highest figure with the national team and the second-best of his career—surpassed only by a game against Osasuna in the 2022/23 season. Yet, despite his efforts, he couldn’t seal the victory. The missed penalty proved costly in Brazil’s 1-1 draw.

Vinicius Jr’s terrible record for Brazil bettered by dropped teammate

The miss highlighted something pertinent: Brazil needed him, especially in Neymar’s absence, yet time and again Vinícius hasn’t risen to the occasion. He was one of the players who saw the most criticism after Brazil slumped to a quarterfinal exit in the Copa América. And it gets worse, as his national team stats are underwhelming to say the least: five goals and five assists in 36 games. Even Endrick, a much younger teammate, has outscored him in the South American qualifiers with three goals to Vinícius’ two.

Meanwhile, Raphinha has been much more impactful, with 10 goals and six assists. In the last match, Raphinha outshone Vinícius in key metrics like shots, successful passes, and dribbles. Though less involved overall, the Barcelona winger was more decisive, scoring a free-kick to secure the point for Dorival Junior’s side.

After his missed penalty in the 62nd minute, the familiar frustrations surfaced. Arguments, conflicts with opponents, and protests to the referee disrupted his focus. Venezuela’s defenders successfully neutralised him, keeping him away from danger zones for the rest of the game. Brazilian fans are desperate for him to shake off this slump. With Neymar’s return date uncertain, the team need Vinícius to step up.

The contrast between his club and national team performances is stark. At Real Madrid, Vinícius has scored 30 goals in 48 appearances in 2024, far and away the team’s top scorer. With Brazil, however, he has only two goals in 11 games this year, lagging behind teammates like Rodrygo and Endrick, who are on three goals each. Brazil need a leader on the pitch, and as the most talented player in the squad, the responsibility naturally falls on him.

At just 24 years old, perhaps expectations have been unfairly high throughout his career. Yet, the reality is clear: Brazil need the Real Madrid version of Vinícius. He must break free of this ‘curse’ and deliver for the Seleção.

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