'I asked to play for Castilla so I wasn't just sitting at home'

"I went through pre-season knowing that I could play for the affiliate side. I asked to play for them if I wasn't going to be in contention for the first team, because it's better than staying at home," the Brazilian explained.

For the youngster it was a no-brainer explained that: "That would help me adapt to the style of play, the climate and everything that a player needs."

Big things are expected of the former Flamengo man after he arrived at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu for a fee of €45m at the age of just 18, with many in his homeland and beyond comparing him with fellow countryman Neymar.

However, having undergone pre-season witht he first team, manager Julen Lopetegui made him available to Santiago Solari's Castilla side, for whom he has scored four goals in five games.

To date Vinicius has played just 12 minutes for the first team spread across two games, making his debut in the 88th minute of the Madrid derby against Atletico before taking to the pitch at the Mendizorroza in the 80th minute.