Real Madrid should keep Vinicius Junior with the first team

Vinicius Junior, or “Vinny” as the players call him has already turned heads this preseason for Real Madrid.

Nabbing an assist against Juventus, making Matteo Darmian look silly, Vinny is gaining more and more Real Madrid fans on his side by the day.

The young Brazilian is showing all the flair we have come accustomed to from Brazilian players. However, while many think he should be loaned out, I think he should stay with the first team.

More from Real Madrid

• Real Madrid dealt Eder Militao injury blow
• Jude Bellingham scores in Real Madrid debut
• Real Madrid facing uncertainty heading into new LaLiga season
• Real Madrid suffer Thibaut Courtois injury blow
• Joselu, the story behind the kid who dreamt of playing for Real Madrid

For me, the decision is rather easy too. Vinny isn’t your average prospect. He’s already showed top-tier qualities and the poise, talent and potential to be something truly special.

At just 18, the first thing he needs to work on is maturity. And that has already been evident in his preseason performances.

Vinny needs to learn first hand, from players like Marcelo, Bale, Isco, and others that flash isn’t always the answer. Sometimes the safe, easy play, pass or movement is the best one. He needs to learn discipline when the ball is at his feet and get more intelligent as a player.

Staying with the first team for a whole season would allow him to get smarter as a player for many reasons. He would be under the wing of a top manager in Lopetegui, he would be under the wing of top players in the RM side, and he will see top performances week in and week out from both Real Madrid players and opponents.

Vinicius would also be practicing every day with these top talents and would get better from just being around them. Not just the games would give Vinny the chance to learn from all the aforementioned names, but the practices too. It will also allow him to get used to the camaraderie, atmosphere, and culture at the club.

Lastly, Vinicius could get some quality game time as well as I think, be a contributor. Vinicius could see his name in the starting eleven in Copa Del Rey matches, and see him get some game time against the weaker teams in the Champions League group stage as well as weaker La Liga sides.

This will allow him to get used to playing with the team in competitive matches, getting used to Lopetegui’s system as well as get better from playing against better competition, especially in the Champions League. I think in all those types of matches listed above, I truly think Junior could contribute positive performances and actually be a factor.

I think there is so much more to offer here at Real Madrid in Vinicius’ first season in Europe than any mid-tier or lower tier side can offer. I think come this time next summer, he could then be loaned out to an even better team in which he can then receive more game time at a higher level.

It will be very interesting to see what the club decides to do with the Brazilian, and I will be following every step.