LaLiga: ‘I feel sorry for him, it saddens me’ – Ex-Barça star pities Vinicius Junior

Former Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has expressed sympathy for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, saying he is disappointed by the Brazilian’s recent performances and believes he is struggling to regain his previous form.

The former France international feels Vinicius has lost the confidence and attacking threat that once made him one of Europe’s most dangerous wingers. He shared his views while discussing Real Madrid’s match against AEK Athens on Spanish radio station Cadena SER.

“I feel sorry for him. It saddens me,” Umtiti said. “Vinicius hasn’t been at his best for weeks, months, even seasons. It’s clear he lacks the confidence he once had on the left wing.”

Umtiti, who faced Vinicius several times during his Barcelona career, noted that opposing defenders no longer appear as concerned when the winger receives the ball. “In the past, when he received the ball, you knew he would pose a threat. Now, he no longer has that,” he added.

He also criticised Vinicius’ effectiveness in possession, pointing to frequent loss of the ball and reduced sharpness in front of goal. “He loses the ball a lot, and he no longer strikes fear into opponents,” the former defender said.

Umtiti further questioned Real Madrid’s attacking arrangement, particularly the decision to keep Vinicius on the left flank when other players are competing for starting positions. He asked, “What do we do with Vinicius?” and argued that playing him on the left affects the team’s options elsewhere, adding that Diomande struggles when deployed on the right.

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The former defender believes Real Madrid must choose between creating genuine competition for places, where the best-performing players start, and maintaining a hierarchy that guarantees Vinicius a regular role. He also suggested that missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or may have affected the Brazilian’s confidence, saying: “Over the past three seasons, and since he did not win the Ballon d’Or, his level has been affected.” Umtiti concluded that he hopes to see the lively, dribbling Vinicius return to his previous level.