Vinicius returns from international duty with more doubts as Brazil fail to revive him

Vinicius Junior left for international duty surrounded by doubts about his form at Real Madrid, and he returns to the Spanish capital with even more questions than before. The Brazilian forward played in all three of his national team's friendlies without shining, scoring just once from the penalty spot and leaving the feeling that he is still far from the spark that made him such a dangerous player. Brazil could not revive him, and now the big question is whether Jose Mourinho will keep him in the starting line-up against Villarreal.

• Vinicius played all three friendlies for Brazil and scored just one goal, from the penalty spot.
• Carlo Ancelotti took him off at half-time in the match against India.
• His performances for the national team mirror the doubts he has generated at Real Madrid.
• Mourinho must decide whether to keep him in the starting XI against Villarreal.
• Some Real Madrid fans are calling for Diomande to take over the left wing.

An international break that did not change Vinicius' story

Vinicius' time with the Brazil squad had raised some expectations. After a patchy run at Real Madrid, the friendlies against India and Australia looked like a good opportunity to regain his best feelings on the pitch. Instead, the forward produced very quiet performances, and in the last match against India, Ancelotti decided to replace him at half-time.

The numbers back up the impression: just one goal in three games, from eleven meters, is not enough for a player expected to decide matches. Brazil could not find the formula to bring out his best version, and he returns to Madrid with the same debate still wide open.

Mourinho and his patience with Vinicius

Both Ancelotti, Brazil's head coach, and Mourinho, Real Madrid's manager, have publicly expressed their faith in the player. Both accept that he is not at his best, but insist his talent remains intact. That trust, however, must now be reflected in minutes on the pitch.

The next test comes on 10 October against Villarreal. Mourinho is weighing whether to keep the Brazilian in the side or leave him on the bench to refresh the team and shield him from pressure. His decision will set the tone for a demanding run of fixtures for the club.

Diomande, the alternative demanded by the stands

The debate over Vinicius' starting role goes beyond his current form. In recent weeks, a growing section of the Madrid faithful has called for Diomande to play on the left side of the attack. The young forward offers energy, dribbling and a constant threat that is currently missing from the Brazilian's game.

Mourinho has not given any clear indication of his plan for the Villarreal game. The squad has enough depth to rotate without losing attacking power, and the Portuguese coach has shown before that he is not afraid to make tough calls with top-level players.

Villarreal as the first real test

The match on 10 October will measure Vinicius' immediate response and the level of trust his coach is willing to give him. A starting line-up without him would send a clear message: the Brazilian needs time away from the spotlight to recover the version that amazed Europe. A start, on the other hand, would confirm Mourinho's bet on continuity as the road to recovery.

What seems beyond question is that the current Vinicius is far from his best. Neither a change of shirt nor the national team environment has managed to shake him out of a rut that has lasted for weeks. The ball is now in Mourinho's court.

Frequently asked questions about Vinicius' current situation