Mijatovic backs Vinicius to rediscover his best form as he praises Courtois
Former Real Madrid player and sporting director Predrag Mijatovic has urged supporters to give Vinicius Junior time to recover his top form, insisting the Brazilian remains a major asset despite a difficult spell. Mijatovic also singled out Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois for praise after Madrid’s 4-1 Champions League victory over Leipzig, calling Courtois the best goalkeeper in the world.
Vinicius has faced heightened scrutiny this season as his performances have fallen short of the standards he has set at the Spanish club. His campaign has also included a four-match La Liga suspension following his dismissal against Villarreal, adding to the pressure surrounding the forward.
Mijatovic urges patience with Vinicius
Speaking on the Spanish radio programme El Larguero, Mijatovic said he believes the Brazilian can regain his best level, but warned against expecting an immediate turnaround.
“I miss a bit of Vinicius, and I am convinced he will recover,” Mijatovic said. “We have to give him some time and not put too much pressure on him.”
His comments offer a measured perspective on a player whose energetic style and attacking ambition have made him a central figure at Real Madrid. A dip in form can attract intense attention at a club where expectations are exceptionally high, but Mijatovic’s view is that patience may be more useful than criticism as Vinicius works through a challenging period.
The former Madrid executive also noted the forward’s disappointment when he was substituted in the 70th minute of the Champions League match against Leipzig. Vinicius appeared frustrated as he left the pitch, but Mijatovic did not interpret that reaction as a sign of a deeper problem. Instead, it reflected a player who wants to contribute and is unhappy when he cannot influence the game as much as he would like.
Competition can help, not diminish, Vinicius
Diomande’s introduction provided Madrid with another attacking option, and Mijatovic acknowledged that the player can make a difference. However, he was careful to distinguish between a useful alternative and a direct judgment on Vinicius’s quality.
“With Diomande, we have a player capable of making a difference, and that does not mean he is better than Vinicius,” Mijatovic said. He added that the Brazilian could return to his strongest form without being rushed, arguing that Madrid should allow time for his confidence and rhythm to come back.
That approach is relevant to the broader football conversation around squad depth. Top clubs need more than one player capable of changing a match, particularly across a demanding schedule that includes domestic league fixtures and European competition. A substitute making an impact can give a coach tactical flexibility while also easing the burden on a regular starter. It does not necessarily signal that the established player has lost the trust of the team.
Vinicius’s own response to the pressure will be important. For an attacker, confidence, timing and decision-making can all influence performance, and a difficult run may become more noticeable when every touch is closely assessed. Mijatovic’s prediction is that the forward’s best days will return, provided he is given the space to regain his form.
Mbappe offers support for his teammate
Mijatovic’s message is consistent with the supportive comments made by Kylian Mbappe after the Leipzig match. Mbappe suggested that Vinicius’s sadness showed how much he wanted to help the team and please the supporters.
“It is good that Vinicius feels sad because he wants to give a lot to the team and the fans,” Mbappe said. “He has to stay calm and be proud of himself. He is a great player with enormous talent.”
Such public backing can matter within a high-profile dressing room. Rather than treating Vinicius’s frustration as a distraction, Mbappe framed it as evidence of his competitive commitment. The challenge for Madrid is to turn that motivation into consistent performances while maintaining a supportive environment around a player who remains capable of deciding major matches.
Bellingham’s influence stands out
Mijatovic also praised Jude Bellingham, describing the midfielder’s display against Leipzig as excellent and highlighting the confidence he brings to the side. Bellingham has become a key presence for Madrid, contributing through his work rate, composure and ability to affect play in important areas of the pitch.
According to Mijatovic, Bellingham’s value goes beyond individual moments. He said the midfielder gives the team confidence, earns admiration from his teammates and consistently gives his best. Those qualities help explain why a player can become influential so quickly: technical ability matters, but leadership, reliability and the willingness to work for the collective are equally important.
For Madrid, Bellingham’s contribution also provides balance. When a team has attackers under pressure or adjusting to changes in form, a dependable midfielder can help maintain control and create opportunities for others. His presence is therefore significant not only to the result of one match but to the team’s wider performance across the season.
Courtois earns the highest praise
Mijatovic reserved his strongest individual assessment for Thibaut Courtois, whom he called “the best goalkeeper in the world.” He said the Belgian’s quality has been evident not only this season but across previous years, pointing to his confidence and the importance of his saves.
Goalkeepers are often judged by the goals they prevent, but their influence can extend well beyond the statistics. A crucial stop can protect a narrow lead, halt an opponent’s momentum or give defenders the confidence to hold their positions. Mijatovic argued that Courtois’s saves are every bit as important to Madrid as goals and attacking moves.
That sense of security is especially valuable for a club competing on several fronts. Madrid’s defenders can take greater assurance from knowing an experienced goalkeeper is behind them, while the team’s attacking players can focus on creating chances without the same fear that one mistake will immediately decide the contest.
The 4-1 win over Leipzig gave Madrid plenty to celebrate, but Mijatovic’s comments also point to the longer-term themes shaping the campaign: managing pressure on Vinicius, drawing on the depth of the squad, and relying on established leaders such as Bellingham and Courtois. His prediction is clear: Vinicius can return to his best, and Madrid should give him time to do so.
