According to a report by Madrid Universal on Saturday November 7, 2026, former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes has weighed in on Vinicius Junior's difficult situation at the Santiago Bernabéu, insisting that the team currently performs better with Yan Diomande on the left wing.

Vinicius has endured a challenging period at Real Madrid this season, with his performances falling below the expectations associated with one of the club's most important attacking players.

The Brazilian's situation has become more complicated following a lengthy suspension, which has provided Diomande with an opportunity to establish himself in Jose Mourinho's starting lineup.

The Ivorian winger has reportedly taken advantage of his opportunities, putting himself ahead of Vinicius in the competition for the left-wing position.

Speaking about the situation, Morientes admitted that the Brazilian is currently not performing at his usual level.

"We are not looking at the best version of Vinicius at the moment, but, well, that is the reality. I think he himself has acknowledged it, hasn't he?" the former Real Madrid and Spain striker said, as quoted by Defensa Central.

Morientes believes Mourinho and his coaching staff must take responsibility for helping Vinicius rediscover his best form.

He explained that the Brazilian's recent performances have fallen short of expectations, particularly considering his importance to Real Madrid and his recent contract renewal.

"The responsibility of the coaching staff, without getting into the wider debate, is to try to bring back the best version of Vinicius," he said.

However, Morientes believes Diomande currently deserves to remain ahead of the Brazilian in the starting lineup because of his impressive form.

"The reality today is that Diomande is in better form, and Real Madrid currently play better with Diomande on the left than they do with Vinicius," he added.

Despite his assessment, the former Madrid striker refused to write off Vinicius, insisting that the Brazilian still has the quality to make an important contribution to the team.

He believes the winger's ability to dribble past opponents, take on defenders and score goals makes him a valuable player when performing at his best.

"I believe he is a player who can still contribute. I believe he is an important player, and I don't think we should write him off, because players like him can be decisive when they are in top form," Morientes stated.

The former striker also suggested that Vinicius attracts more criticism than other Real Madrid players because of his profile and the attention surrounding him.

According to Morientes, other members of the squad can also underperform when the team struggles, but the Brazilian often becomes the main talking point.