Vinicius Jr has been one of the few highlights in an otherwise disappointing season for Real Madrid.The Brazilian forward was used sparingly by Julen Lopetegui at the start of the campaign - the Spanish coach clearly wanted to ease the 18-year-old in gently at the Bernabeu - but has become one of the first names on the teamsheet since Santiago Solari took the reins in November.Vinicius has made 19 appearances in all competitions so far this term, scoring three goals, and clearly has the potential to become one of the world’s best forwards."He is making great strides," Solari said of the Brazilian last month, per Marca. ”He has always had the talent, but showing it at the Bernabeu shows his self-confidence and freshness.”He brings joy and he's just 18-years old. The thing in football is exploding and then sustaining, but he has the things that can break defences."The South American teenager produced another eye-catching performance in Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Girona in the Copa del Rey on Thursday evening.The in-form Karim Benzema stole the headlines with his first-half brace - and deservedly so - but Vinicius’s display was also very impressive.One particularly audacious skill had fans on social media buzzing.Surrounded by two opponents on the touchline, Vinicius used his creativity to free himself and, in the process, won a free-kick for his team.Watch it here…

Outstanding improvisation from the young Brazilian.

Vinicius has clearly been given license to express himself by Solari and this is undoubtedly benefitting Real Madrid.

You can watch his individual highlights from the Girona match in full here…

Few 18-year-olds - if any - are on the same level as Vinicius right now.

We could well be looking at football’s next big superstar.

Furthermore, he could easily become the player football fans refer to as the most skillful in the world.

Like his compatriot Neymar, he's always looking to entertain the crowd.

One thing’s for sure: Real Madrid do not need another left-sided forward this summer.

Although they’ve been strongly linked with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, who favours the same position, signing the Belgium international would risk hindering Vinicius’s development.

Don’t be surprised if Madrid focus on strengthening other areas of the squad instead at the end of the season.