Real Madrid came from 2-1 down to beat AEK Athens 3-2 in a Champions League tie in Greece on 4 November. After the match, Vinicius Junior drew criticism for his performance after starting the game.
Start and tactical role
Vinicius Junior started Real Madrid's Champions League tie against AEK Athens. José Mourinho handed Vinicius Junior a start on 4 November and deployed him on the left wing, with Yan Diomande moved to the right flank.
Vinicius Junior was fresh off a four-match suspension in La Liga. He is also suspended for Real Madrid's trip to Valencia.
Valdano's comments
Former Real Madrid player Jorge Valdano criticised Vinicius Junior on a Movistar television programme. He said: "The word acceptable does not apply to a player like Vinicius. He put in very little effort, and rarely succeeded"
He added: "He made only one good move. We cannot recall anything of note from his match tonight. For a player who maintained that exceptional level for a long time, this is very little. This lacklustre performance from Vinicius will not help him reclaim the place that Diomande has secured"
Spanish media assessments
AS said that Vinicius Junior's performance was "dismal in the first half" and that "Right now, Diomande is well ahead of him in the starting line-up".
Marca said that "it is no coincidence that Mourinho's team's level drops when the Brazilian is on the pitch" and also flagged his lack of defensive graft.
