Leo Bonatini is back playing for Vitoria de Guimaraes, with the Primeira Liga season returning after a three-month hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but he’s understandably struggling to get up to speed.
Bonatini has already made two appearances in June but hasn’t set the place alight so far, so he’s been dropped from the starting lineup by Ivo Vieira.
Vitoria’s third game back is against Moreirense on Friday evening, but it remains to be seen whether the 26-year-old will start or be on the bench. His match fitness may dictate the decision, as Vieira has been managing players’ minutes.
Bonatini joined Vitoria on a season-long loan in August 2019 and has gone on to make 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and making two assists.
Vitoria have the option to sign the Brazilian centre-forward permanently, but they may turn their attention elsewhere as Bonatini hasn’t scored in any competition since December 2019. He’s not even forcing the goalkeeper to make a save anymore.
The 26-year-old started in Vitoria’s 2-2 draw with Sporting (June 4), but he failed to take a shot and failed to create a chance, so he was replaced by Buno Duarte.
In the 1-1 draw with Belenenses (June 11), Bonatini dropped down to the bench and was introduced in the 68th minute. The Brazilian had one shot but didn’t hit the target, and he didn’t create a chance either, so he’s not exactly warranting a start against Moreirense.
