Vinicius Junior may be experiencing one of the most difficult periods of his Real Madrid career on the pitch, with the Brazilian struggling at the start of the season.

The 26-year-old has looked a pale shadow of his former self and was hooked early in the second half against Atletico Madrid after a disastrous showing.

However, despite his poor start to the new campaign, his relationship inside the dressing room remains as strong as it has ever been.

According to Cadena SER , Vinicius continues to share an extremely strong relationship with his teammates.

His connection with the Madrid squad is described as one built on complete trust and something approaching a “brotherhood.”

The report claims Vinicius came much closer to leaving Real Madrid for Arsenal during the summer than was publicly understood at the time.

In fact, several members of the Madrid dressing room believed his departure for Mikel Arteta’s side was going to happen.

Vinicius has had a poor start to the season. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)