Real Madrid superstar enjoys best-ever start to a La Liga season despite criticism about his form | OneFootball

Vinicius Junior has been quite the perplexing figure at Real Madrid this season. After missing out on the Ballon d’Or title in 2024, the forward has never been the same.

There has been a clear dip in his performances, especially after the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, who has taken the mantle of being Real Madrid’s bona fide superstar.

However, things have been changing lately, with Vinicius and Mbappe slowly starting to find their groove and working together in the final third of the pitch.

Vinicius’ best ever start to a La Liga season

In fact, it may come off as a surprise to many that this season is actually Vinicius’ best-ever start to a season in La Liga after eight matches.

Indeed, the attacker has racked up five goals and four assists in eight matches so far this season. This is quite impressive considering the fact that he was benched a few times by Xabi Alonso earlier in the season.

Things are starting to fall in place for Vinicius. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

It appears the Brazilian international has once again learned to become competitive, with six of his nine goal involvements in La Liga coming in the last five matches.

To put things into perspective, Vinicius, during his spectacular 2023/24 campaign, was only able to rack up two goals and an assist in his first eight league matches.

Interestingly, the Brazilian did manage nine goal involvements last season, notably scoring three goals and mustering six assists. However, statistically, he has performed better this season since goals are usually accounted for in a higher respect.

Going back further, Vinicius scored five goals in the first eight matches of the 2022/23 campaign but only secured one assist.

In 2021/22, the Brazilian had five goals as well, but secured three assists, which is one assist lower than this season.