Champions League 2018/19 Round of 16: 5 young forwards to watch out for

#3 Vinicius Jr - 18 years (Real Madrid)

Club Atletico de Madrid v Real Madrid CF - La Liga

Vinicius emerged as the latest in the seemingly never-ending production line of football talents that is Brazil with his displays for the Flamengo youth team, with Real Madrid making a move to get his signature for €46 million, despite him being just 17 at the time (and having played just two senior professional matches).

That sum represents the highest amount ever paid for a player below the age of 19, as well as the second highest fee received by a Brazilian club for the sale of a player (behind that paid for Neymar in 2013).

Upon his arrival at Real, the Brazilian struggled for game time, barely getting a look in by erstwhile coach Julen Lopetegui, turning out for the Castilla side instead.

His fortunes improved upon the sacking of Lopetegui and appointment of Santiago Solari who showed a lot of faith in him, thrusting him into the first team at the expense of more established players like Isco and Gareth Bale.

Vinicius has repaid his coach accordingly by turning in impressive performances since then and is one of the major driving forces behind Real Madrid's upturn in fortunes in recent weeks.

With a lot of illustrious Brazilians having turned out for Real Madrid before him, he would be looking to join the list and what better way to do so than by announcing himself on the stage where Real Madrid have perfected their symphony.