The Brazilian forward is starting to make a first-team impact at the Santiago Bernabeu, but has been told he will need to maintain those standards
Vinicius Junior has been warned that “Real Madrid don’t wait for anyone” as he seeks to fulfil his undoubted potential with the Liga giants.
At just 18 years of age, the Brazilian forward has been handed a senior breakthrough by the Blancos this season.
They have invested €45 million in his ability and have been careful to ease him under the brightest of spotlights, with an extended spell at Flamengo taken in after completing a big-money deal and Castilla outings experienced this term.
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Vinicius has been handed first-team opportunities as the result of an alarming slump by Real which cost Julen Lopetegui his job, with a demanding fan base calling for a fresh approach in the final third.
Time is on the South American’s side but Javier Portillo, who was highly regarded himself after emerging from Madrid’s academy system, feels that high standards will need to be maintained in order to keep his place and favour with supporters.
Portillo, a man who took in 57 appearances for the Blancos while netting 17 goals, told Cadena SER: “Vinicius’ situation and the situation I had are similar.
“All the youth teamers want to prove themselves, but it’s not easy.
“People coming up always have problems when it comes to making a space in the first team.
“Real Madrid don’t wait for anyone.
“It’s difficult to become part of a squad filled with Galacticos.
“All who come from below want to do the best possible, but Real Madrid are one of the best clubs in the world.
“I would tell Vinicius to keep calm.
“It’s normal for fans to get excited, as they see that he is a different player, but he is only 18 years of age.”
Vinicius opened his goal account for Real in his most recent outing, with caretaker coach Santiago Solari introducing him off the bench to net in a 2-0 victory over Real Valladolid.