Vinicius Jr is a star for Real Mad, but why not for Brazil?
With just 4 goals for Brazil since his senior debut, Vinicius struggles for the National Team has been nothing but a surprise to many. But it can also be down to the struggle of the Brazilian national side generally in recent years.
However, He’s still quite young and has many years left to make a mark and achieve great things for Brazil. I wouldn’t put it past him to turn it around.
VinĂcius’s international career has been marked by inconsistency. During the 2024 Copa America, Brazil struggled to find form, and VinĂcius was unable to inspire the team effectively. He faced challenges such as being suspended due to yellow card accumulation during crucial knockout matches, which limited his impact.
Team Dynamics and Expectations
The Brazilian national team has faced criticism for its overall performance, which may have affected individual players like VinĂcius. The team’s lack of cohesion and tactical issues could hinder his ability to shine as he does at the club level. Additionally, Brazil’s early exit from the Copa America further emphasizes the disparity between his club success and international struggles.
VinĂcius JĂşnior’s limited impact for the Brazilian national team, despite his stellar performances at Real Madrid, can be attributed to several key factors:
Goal Scoring Record
VinĂcius has struggled to translate his club success into international play, with only five goals in 36 appearances for Brazil since his debut in 2019. This stark contrast highlights a significant underperformance compared to his prolific goal-scoring at Real Madrid, where he netted 30 goals in 48 matches during the 2023-24 season alone.
Playing Style Disparities
VinĂcius has noted that the playing style in Europe differs significantly from that of Brazil. He finds that the pace and ball movement in European football are faster, which may affect his adaptability on the international stage. At Real Madrid, he enjoys more freedom to roam and create plays, while for Brazil, he often plays a more rigid role as an orthodox winger on the left flank, limiting his effectiveness.
Dependence on Neymar
Brazil’s offensive strategy has heavily relied on Neymar, which can overshadow other players like VinĂcius. When the game is centered around one star player, it can hinder the contributions of others who may need more space and opportunities to shine. This dynamic was evident during recent tournaments where VinĂcius struggled to assert himself in Neymar’s absence.
Frequent Substitutions
VinĂcius has experienced more frequent substitutions with the national team than at Real Madrid, where he is often trusted to complete matches. This inconsistency in playing time can disrupt his rhythm and confidence on the field.
Missed Opportunities
In critical matches, such as the recent Copa America and qualifiers, VinĂcius has missed key chances, including penalties. For instance, he missed a penalty against Venezuela that could have secured a win for Brazil. Such moments of failure have led to increased scrutiny and criticism from fans and analysts alike.
VinĂcius JĂşnior’s challenges with the Brazilian national team stem from a combination of tactical mismatches, team dynamics favouring other players, inconsistent performances, and missed opportunities. As he continues to develop and adapt, addressing these issues will be crucial for him to fulfil his potential on the international stage.
