Davide Ancelotti explains why Vinicius is so loved inside Real Madrid dressing room | OneFootball

Vinicius Junior has endured plenty of scrutiny during his Real Madrid career and is going through a less-than-favourable moment at the club right now.

His form has not been great for either club or country since the start of the campaign, and he is looking to get back to his best sooner rather than later.

Davide Ancelotti has now offered a perspective on why the Brazilian enjoys the dressing room’s support despite these difficult moments.

Ancelotti highlights Vinicius’ team-first mentality

In an interview with AS (h/t Madrid Zone), Ancelotti, now coaching Lille, spoke about what makes Vinicius so loved.

“Vinicius has always been there for the team, which is why his teammates love him,” Ancelotti said.

It is a significant assessment from someone who knows the Madrid dressing room extremely well. Davide spent years alongside his father, Carlo, at the Bernabeu.

Vinicius Jr. has not been in the greatest of form this season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

He worked closely with Vinicius during the winger’s rise into one of Madrid’s decisive players and one of the world’s best players.

A different picture of Vinicius

From outside Madrid, much of the conversation around Vinicius inevitably focuses on confrontations, reactions and controversy.

Inside the dressing room, however, the picture has consistently appeared different. That support matters, particularly during a difficult period for the Brazilian.

Increased competition in Los Blancos’ attack is putting significant pressure on the South American to start performing.

He was hooked even before the hour mark against Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby, and it was not something the player would have been particularly happy about.

Madrid need their winger back at his best

Being popular with teammates will not remove the sporting demands placed on Vinicius.

Real Madrid need the version of Vinicius that could terrorize opposition defences. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid ultimately need goals, assists and the devastating one-v-one threat that made him such an important figure in their biggest victories.

However, dressing-room relationships matter when a major player is trying to rediscover confidence.

Ancelotti worked with Vinicius through some of the best years of his Madrid career, and he understands that the team will help the Brazilian get back to his best.

Mourinho will hope for the same and to see Vinicius somewhere close to that level after the international break, and it remains to be seen how the rest of his season pans out.