5 Players who could be the future of Real Madrid

Rodrygo (L) and Vinicius Jr. are already stars for Real Madrid
Rodrygo (L) and Vinicius Jr. are already stars for Real Madrid

#3 Rodrygo

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo in action against Inter Milan
Real Madrid winger Rodrygo in action against Inter Milan

Eyebrows were raised when Real Madrid signed Brazilian winger Rodrygo from Santos for a reported £40 million in the summer of 2019. Now in his third season at the Santiago Bernabeu, the 20-year-old has amassed 79 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 10 goals while providing 14 assists.

Real Madrid have been patient with Rodrygo, who has been shuffled around to accommodate the likes of Eden Hazard, Marcos Asensio and Lucas Vasquez. He was previously known for his directness and trickery. But the Brazilian has been praised for his work rate and effort instead, indicating a willingness to add to his game.

Rodrygo will now aim to emulate compatriot Vinicius Junior and take his game to the next level after consolidating his place in the Real Madrid set-up.


#2 Eduardo Camavinga

Eduardo Camavinga in Champions League action for Real Madrid
Eduardo Camavinga in Champions League action for Real Madrid

It is no secret that Real Madrid have been saving funds over the last few transfer windows in the hopes of signing Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The fact that Florentino Perez still decided to shell out £35 million for Eduardo Camavinga is a glowing endorsement of the Frenchman's talent.

The midfielder, who turned 19 only last month, had already made 88 appearances for Rennes before joining Real Madrid earlier this year. Since then, he's played 17 games for Los Blancos and has also earned three caps for France. Often compared to Paul Pogba, Real Madrid's lanky teenage sensation is an impressive mix of strength, power and skill on the ball.

Camavinga was targeted by the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain last summer. He is expected to develop into one of the most complete players in the world.


#1 Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior is finally becoming one of Real Madrid's best players.
Vinicius Junior is finally becoming one of Real Madrid's best players.

Real Madrid's failure to sign Neymar in 2013 left a deep impression on Florentino Perez. He subsequently decided to prioritize scouting the Brazilian talent pool. In 2017, Los Blancos spent £38 million on Vinicius Junior, Flamengo's U19 forward who had just 17 minutes of senior football to his name at the time.

Dubbed 'the next Neymar', Vinicius Junior was often criticised for being more style than substance. Rival fans were quick to ridicule his lack of end product and his reputation was not helped by a series of glaring missed chances.

It's safe to say, nobody's laughing any more. Vinicius Junior is one of the most entertaining footballers in the world today and appears to have finally added a lethal streak to his game. In the last 12 months, he has netted a brace against Liverpool in the Champions League and scored the opener in the El Clasico. He has 12 goals and 10 assists in just 26 games this season.

It's important to note that Neymar was 21 when he moved from Santos to Barcelona. Vinicius, who turned 21 earlier this year, already has 143 Real Madrid appearances. In them, he has scored 26 goals while assisting another 32.

A walking highlight reel, the Brazilian is ridiculously skilled and has a repertoire of tricks up his sleeve. Are we looking at the next great Real Madrid superstar? Only time will tell, but for now Vinicius Junior is definitely on the right path.

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