Ronaldinho has backed fellow countryman Vinicius Junior to become one of the best players in the world at Real Madrid.

The teenager was signed by Los Blancos for a fee of £40m on his 18th birthday, which came even before he had made his first-team debut for Flamengo.

Following a mixed opening campaign at the Bernabeu, Vinicius has been starved of game time this season, making just five appearances in La Liga.

When asked about what he thought of Vinicius, Ronaldinho told Marca: "[Vinicius] is already at one of the best clubs in the world. I think he will soon be there, among the best."

Despite not exploding into life at the Bernabeu just yet, the youngster displayed glimpses of his dazzling talent during a 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano last season.

Zinedine Zidane's side, who are top of La Liga, travel to Mallorca this weekend ahead of resuming Champions League action against Galatasaray next week.