Santiago Solari finally looks like he is getting somewhere with his Real Madrid squad, and his players are beginning to recapture the type of form they showed under Zinedine Zidane. It’s taken a little while, but Florentino Perez has allowed his coach to just get on with it, and live or die by his decisions. That said, there’s at least one directive that would’ve filtered down from the boardroom at the Santiago Bernabeu. ‘Play Vinicius Junior.’ Signed from Flamengo for a not insignificant €46m just 10 days after making his first-team debut for the Brazilian side, his transfer became effective after his 18th birthday last summer. He was officially presented by Los Blancos on July 20, 2018 but in the entire time that Julen Lopetegui was in charge, he was only afforded thirteen minutes on the pitch in three months – three at the end of the Madrid derby and 10 against Alaves. It was just one of many baffling decisions from the former Spanish national team coach, which ultimately led to his downfall. Solari has put a few noses out of joint by playing Vinicius ever since he took the role from Lopetegui, but there’s no denying that the kid is fearless and worthy of his place. He may not have the refinement required for a Real player at this stage, but he is a work in progress and willing to be taught. Quite what it means for the likes of Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez and Isco is anyone’s guess, but that won’t worry the teenager who looks like he was born to score goals. Physical, quick and with a presence of mind that belies his tender years, it’s obvious why Perez was willing to pay such an astronomical fee to secure his services. The Real president has also shelled out a similar amount for Rodrygo Goes of Santos, who just so happens to be Vinicius’ strike partner for the Brazilian U20 national team.