Former Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has criticised Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior following his underwhelming display against RB Leipzig, questioning whether the Brazilian still deserves the patience he has received from the club.

According to a report by Madrid Universal on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Vinicius is struggling to make a significant impact this season, while the emergence of Yan Diomande has increased competition for a starting position on the left wing.

The Brazilian featured in Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Leipzig, which represented an important opportunity to impress during his domestic suspension. With his La Liga return delayed until mid-November, the European fixture offered him a chance to build momentum before returning to league action.

However, Vinicius failed to produce the performance Madrid had hoped for. Diomande came on during the closing stages and made a greater impact, scoring a goal despite spending fewer than 15 minutes on the pitch.

Speaking to Defensa Central, Canizares questioned whether manager Jose Mourinho should continue giving Vinicius opportunities in the hope that he will rediscover his best form.

“Vinicius is no longer worth the credit he had; it’s no use for Mourinho to put him to play to see if he recovers his best level,” Canizares stated.

The former goalkeeper also urged the Brazilian to return to the level of dedication and hard work that helped establish him among the leading players in world football.

Canizares further suggested that Vinicius’ disappointment at missing out on the Ballon d’Or to Rodri could have affected him. He questioned the circumstances surrounding the award and connected the controversy to the forward’s current difficulties.

Meanwhile, Diomande is strengthening his case for a more prominent role in Madrid’s attack. Although he initially arrived to provide additional options on the right wing, his performances on the opposite flank have reportedly impressed the coaching staff.

With three more La Liga matches scheduled during Vinicius’ suspension, Diomande has an opportunity to demonstrate that he can offer a consistent alternative on the left.

Vinicius, meanwhile, will need to respond with stronger performances when he becomes available again. Whether he can regain his previous form and re-establish himself as a regular starter remains to be seen.