Vinicius Jr's stunning decline: Even rivals 'feel sorry' for Real Madrid struggler

Vinicius Jr once again struggled to have an impact for Real Madrid, and there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that he can no longer be relied upon.

Ever since the Brazilian decided to reject a transfer to Arsenal in favour of a new long-term Real Madrid contract, it has been downhill for him. Vinicius Jr has been in dire straits all season, and he no longer looks the scintillating player he once was.

Worryingly for the 26-year-old, Real Madrid have a ready-made, €125 million replacement who is chomping at the bit to take his place. Yan Diomande has been in sensational form in recent games, and most would agree that he should start over the Brazilian.

In LaLiga, this has been the case in recent matches, but not because Jose Mourinho has finally given up on the winger. Vinicius is in the midst of a four-game suspension, which has allowed the manager to use Diomande in his favoured left-wing position without causing a stir.

Real Madrid have looked a much better, more balanced and effective side with the Ivorian on the left. In the Champions League, meanwhile, Vinicius has retained his place despite his indifferent performances.

On Wednesday against AEK in Athens, Mourinho started with Vini on the left and Diomande on the right. For the third game running, the Brazilian did not complete a single dribble - once his best asset - although he did create one big chance for Kylian Mbappe with a nice body feint.

The thing is: Vini isn't just failing to complete dribbles, he is not even attempting them. His confidence looks completely shattered. He only tried one dribble; Diomande attempted seven on his weaker side and completed four.

The Ivorian youngster has taken over Vinicius' mantle as Spanish football's most prolific one-v-one attacker. He leads LaLiga in completed dribbles per 90 (4.27), ahead of Deportivo A Coruna winger Yeremay (4.03) and Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal (4).

The game against AEK was Vini's sixth consecutive outing without a goal or an assist. After the match, Mourinho attempted to put a positive spin on yet another underwhelming display.

"He played an acceptable game, not an extraordinary one. But the team didn't play an extraordinary one either. And Vinicius, in that sense, performed very well," the manager said, clearly clutching at straws.

The 26-year-old's stunning decline is reflected in his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV). Although he remains one of football's most valuable players, Diomande has now surged past him following FootballTransfers' November update.

Vinicius' ETV has dropped from €116.1 million to €99.7m, while Diomande's ETV has skyrocketed to €101.4m, making him Real Madrid's third-most-valuable player behind Jude Bellingham (€147.5m) and Kylian Mbappe (€120.7m).

Vinicius' slump has become so bad, even his erstwhile rivals are starting to "feel sorry" for him. Speaking on RMC, former Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti had some choice words for the Brazilian.

"I feel sorry for him! He hasn't been at his best for months now! He's struggling with his final touch, he's wasting so many chances - he's no longer a threat," the 2018 World Cup winner thundered.

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Santi Canizares also criticised the winger. "Vinicius thinks he has a certain status, and contractually he does, but he's incapable of justifying it on the pitch," he stated on La casa del futbol. "Now Mourinho has to defend him at every press conference."

Indeed, Mourinho won't admit it, but Real Madrid have a Vinicius Jr problem.

Read also:

Arsenal in 'international auction' for their next €50m superstar

Man Utd start €35m Chelsea transfer domino for 'popular' star

When does the 2027 January transfer window open and close?

Arsenal stunned by €50m transfer decision

Man Utd contact World Cup winner after Unai Emery blow