La Liga icon lashes out at Real Madrid superstar Vinicius: ‘No longer worth the credit’

La Liga icon lashes out at Real Madrid superstar Vinicius: ‘No longer worth the credit’ Vinicius Jr. was the highlight of Real Madrid’s starting lineup against RB Leipzig midweek, especially given how he cannot feature in La Liga until mid-November through suspension. The UEFA Champions League, in that sense, is now his best and only shot at making a case for himself and staying alive in the conversation of who should start as the team’s left-winger. Handed the chance midweek, however, the player failed to capitalise and struggled to make an impact on the field. To make matters worse, Yan Diomande came on to substitute him and finished with better numbers including a goal despite playing less than a quarter of an hour. Former player speaks What has happened to Vinicius Jr.? (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) Former Valencia goalkeeper Santi Canizares was asked about Vinicius Jr.’s situation in a recent interview via Defensa Central , especially in the aftermath of his performance against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League. Without holding back, the former footballer stated that Vinicius is no longer the player he was and that it may well be pointless for Jose Mourinho and Co. to keep nurturing him hoping for a comeback. “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.” “He has to return to the work he did when he reached the elite,” he added, advising the player. Canizares then spoke on the moment that Vinicius’ confidence seemingly broke – the Ballon d’Or defeat to now Barcelona star Rodri. “Rodri has a Golden Ball for humility without being the best in the world that year, that’s why Vinicius doesn’t have it,” he said unforgivingly. A tough road back Diomande is slowly usurping Vinicius’ place. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Yan Diomande initially arrived at Real Madrid as an option to reinforce the right wing and join Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. in the attack. Not many, in that sense, saw his switch to a left-winger to be feasible but it is now close to becoming a regular reality. In all of his opportunities so far on the left wing, the record signing has looked like a genuine threat and chance creator a – something Vinicius has simply not been able to deliver so far this season. With three more league games left on the Brazilian star’s suspension, Diomande now has a golden chance to firmly plant his foot into Real Madrid’s starting XI, and Vinicius is slowly fading away.  Whether or not the player can redeem himself remains to be seen, but as matters stand, Vinicius may indeed be staring at a dead end in his Real Madrid career.