Vinicius Junior is one of the most exciting talents in world football, there's no debating it anymore.

There were plenty of questions asked when Real Madrid decided to sign a player with limited professional experience for €46 million, but he's already paying his transfer fee back.

Despite relative certainty that Vinicius would be limited to appearances for Castilla or sent out on loan, the 18-year-old has been making a major impact in the first-team. 

A combination of Real's difficult season and introduction of Santiago Solari has allowed him far more starts than could have been imagined in the summer.

It isn't a token gesture to the Brazilian either, who looks more than at home with Los Blancos, producing two goals and nine assists.

Ajax 1-2 Real Madrid

This week marked another landmark for Vinicius, appearing in the Champions League knockout rounds for the very first time and being selected from the start against Ajax.

It was a brilliant performance from the 18-year-old and he created a superb assist for Karim Benzema that literally left opposing defenders flat on their face.

There was great praise for his showing across Twitter and many Real Madrid fans believe he's well ahead of Gareth Bale in the pecking order now. 

The European media reacts

But it was perhaps the reaction of the European media that stood out the most, with newspapers from several countries making exciting statements about Vinicius.

Per Marca, he were some of the highlights:

Corriere della Sera: "He is the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo at Madrid and is more powerful than Neymar."

Daily Mail: "The Brazilian can claim the title of the next superstar at the Santiago Bernabeu."

Gazzetta dello Sport: "The Brazilian, despite his age, is one of the few - along with Luka Modric - who didn't suffer from the Dutch pressure."

L'Equipe: "In addition to setting up Benzema's goal, Vinicius has been the most offensive and dangerous player for Real Madrid."

A Bola: "Vinicius Junior is becoming one of the key figures for Real Madrid this season."

Vinicius has become a major talking point in Italy, the UK, France and Portugal to name just a few, with Spanish publications also singing his praise after the victory. 

It's becoming indisputable that Vinicius is destined for big things in the world of football and it's scary to imagine just how good he could become.

When you're already starring in the Real first-team at age 18, it's within the Brazilian's hands to leave his mark on the sport and arguably its biggest club.

He could be the heir to Ronaldo, after all.

Do you think Vinicius will become a super star at Real Madrid? Have your say in the comments section below.