Real Madrid News
Athletic Club legend slams Real Madrid megastar over ‘lack of ambition’
Vinicius Jr. has been told he needs to rediscover the hunger that made him one of Real Madrid’s most feared attackers, with Athletic Bilbao legend Julen Guerrero questioning the Brazilian’s current level.
The Brazilian winger has endured an uneven start to the 2026/27 season, with his influence noticeably below the level he produced at his peak.
Guerrero believes the issue is not just his missed chances or inconsistent numbers, arguing that something has changed in Vinicius’ approach.
“Vinicius doesn’t seem to have the same ambition and desire as before, the drive to attack, to take on defenders, to do all the things he does so well.
“He seems more complacent and is making a lot of mistakes. He needs to rediscover the joy of wanting to be number 1, as he has wanted to be for so long.
“Right now, he’s far from his best form,” said Guerrero, as per Defensa Central.
Mbappe cannot be the solution
Vinicius has still produced flashes of the player Real Madrid fans know, but the consistency that previously made him a constant threat has been harder to find.
Guerrero expects Jose Mourinho to continue backing him, particularly because he does not see Mbappe as a natural replacement on the left.
“I don’t see Mbappe on the left. I think Mourinho wants to get Vinicius back to his defensive role, and I don’t think Mbappé is suited for that.
“He’s focused on goals, on being up front, and resting when he doesn’t have the ball. That’s why Mourinho doesn’t see him playing alongside Espi.
“I see him more as an attacking midfielder with freedom, with Espí pinning the centre-backs, than on the left. In his mind, he wants to stay up front. In any case, that position belongs to Bellingham,” Guerrero added.
Real Madrid cannot afford to switch off
Guerrero also identified a wider issue after Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Elche, where a comfortable two-goal lead disappeared before Carlos Espí rescued the points in stoppage time.
“What’s most concerning is their switching off. The first half was comfortable, without playing excellent football, but with everything under control.
“They didn’t press high, nor did they seem to have tremendous ambition. Elche combined quite comfortably, but Madrid has much more firepower.
“This was even more pronounced in the second half, with Madrid defending with their eyes,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
