It has not been the ideal start to the season for Vinicius Jr. at Real Madrid. After the match against Elche, the Brazilian acknowledged his struggles, admitting that he needs to improve his finishing and expressing confidence that the goals will return.

His current form also presents Jose Mourinho with a delicate challenge, as highlighted by MARCA.

The Real Madrid manager must carefully manage the balance between Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe, a hierarchy battle that has created difficulties for the two previous coaches, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Mourinho arrived with the difficult task of keeping both forwards satisfied, and that has required careful management of their playing time.

Vinicius has been substituted three times in a row

Mourinho initially maintained an almost perfect balance between the two forwards.

Across their first four matches, there was only a six-minute difference in their playing time. Vinicius and Mbappe started against Espanyol, Real Sociedad, Málaga and Real Betis, with the Brazilian’s only early substitution coming against Real Sociedad in the 84th minute.

That was a relatively gentle change, with the match already decided. Vinicius had scored and assisted in the game, while Mourinho was also attempting to rebuild the player’s relationship with the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Brazilian was not yet at his best, but Mourinho largely stuck to his approach of keeping the two stars on equal footing.

That balance has shifted over the last three matches. Vinicius has now been substituted in three consecutive games, coming off in the 87th minute against Inter, the 89th minute against Rayo and, most significantly, the 68th minute against Elche.

Mbappe has completed six matches, compared with three full games for Vinicius. The Frenchman has played 630 minutes, while Vinicius has featured for 598.

The difference is even more notable when their current form is considered. Mbappe has scored eight goals in seven matches, while Vinicius has registered one goal and three assists, as well as winning a penalty against Betis.

Despite remaining an undisputed starter, Vinicius is currently only Real Madrid’s fifth-highest scorer, behind Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Carlos Espi, who has outscored the Brazilian despite playing just 26 minutes.

Competition is increasing around Vinicius

Vinicius’ lack of top form is not Mourinho’s only concern. Brahim Diaz, Espi and now Yan Diomande are all pushing for opportunities, making it increasingly difficult for Mourinho to maintain the delicate understanding surrounding Vinicius and Mbappe.

The situation is still a long way from the breakdown that occurred between Vinicius and Alonso last season, when the Brazilian became increasingly frustrated by his regular substitutions.

In fact, Vinicius has played considerably more football at this stage of the current campaign than he had at the same point last season.

His position has therefore slipped slightly in relation to Mbappe, but there is no indication yet that the change has seriously affected his relationship with Mourinho.

Nevertheless, the latest shift in their respective fortunes means Vinicius seems to be losing ground in the battle and Mourinho once again faces the task of managing two superstars whose form has so often appeared to move in opposite directions.