Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says Vinicius Junior is still short of his best form, despite insisting he is pleased with the Brazilian forward’s contribution this season.
Vinicius has scored once in six appearances so far, although his three assists are the most provided by any Real Madrid player. The 26-year-old was also booed by the club’s supporters during Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on September 8.
The reaction came after a summer in which Vinicius was heavily linked with a sensational move to Arsenal. He ultimately remained at Real Madrid and signed a new contract with the club.
Mourinho defended the forward before Real Madrid’s LaLiga meeting with Elche, but admitted there was another level of performance he wanted to see.
“The best version of him is scoring goals,” Mourinho said.
“Obviously, assisting is important; working for the team is very important. Commitment, solidarity, and teamwork are very important.
“The day-to-day work is also very important, and he does it very well, but there's another Vinicius.
“There's the Vinicius who arrived in Lisbon last season, and in close matches, especially in the two knockout rounds, he gets one chance, scores a goal, and that's it. He's lacking that top-level performance lately, but I'm happy with him.”