Santiago Solari: 'Vinicius Junior has a big future'

Real Madrid interim boss Santiago Solari has said that Vinicius Junior has "a big future ahead of him".

The 18-year-old made his first start for Madrid in their 4-0 win over Melilla in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night.

Vinicius was not on the scoresheet against the Segunda B outfit, but he impressed in a wide position and has now drawn praise from Los Blancos' caretaker manager Solari.

"Vinicius has a big future ahead of him, but he is very young," Marca quotes Solari as saying. "You have to remember he is only 18 and has just arrived into a new club, a new country, a new playing style, a new way of living.

"He will continue to develop and mature into a very good player, I'm sure of it and everyone must show patience with him."

Madrid agreed a deal to sign Vinicius for £38m when he was just 16 but were unable to complete the transfer until the youngster turned 18.

The move went through this summer, however, and the teenager has made two La Liga appearances for Los Blancos this season.