Vinicius becomes the face of Madrid's remarkable turnaround
The 18-year-old Brazilian has breathed enthusiasm and urgency into Solari's side, rapidly making his mark over a six-week period and eleven starts.
Over the past week, eighteen-year-old Vinicius has rapidly become the face of Real Madrid's remarkable turnaround and, against Atlético Madrid, Solari's side added further substance to their recovery - both in mood and in their position in the table.
Decisive
On Saturday afternoon Los Blancos were solid in defence and streamlined in attack, with Vinicius consistently the biggest headache for Simeone's men. After receiving the full backing of Solari in recent weeks, the young Brazilian's enthusiasm, boldness and perseverance is clearly spreading through the Madrid squad. In the Wanda Metropolitano, just as he had done three days earlier in the Camp Nou, the youngster made the difference in the 57 minutes he was on the pitch, earning a penalty and proving to be a constant menace down the left flank - the most memorable moment an exquisite, inch-perfect pass to Lucas Vazquéz with the outside of the right boot during a Madrid counter-attack.
"Learning from the best"
"He's learning from the best and gets good advice and is protected by the rest of the squad, which gives his game substance," Solari said after the game. In just six weeks, the Madrid forward has become a nailed-on starter in the Argentinian coach's starting line-up and has been emphatic in his eleven starts.
