Vinicius Junior and other Real Madrid youngsters who could star this coming season

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  • Despite losing Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus this summer, Real Madrid have decided against splurging big in the transfer market.

    Instead, new manager Julen Lopetegui seems content on getting the most out of the talented group of players at his disposal. That however, isn’t limited to last season’s first team squad.

    There are several young stars at the club eagerly awaiting their opportunities to shine and with many of them included in the club’s pre-season tour Stateside, here’s a look at a few who will be looking to earn plenty of minutes this coming season.

    Fede Valverde

    At 20, Fede Valverde is a promising midfielder who was included in Uruguay’s preliminary squad for the World Cup but didn’t make the final 23. The former Penarol player starred at the U-20 World Cup last year though as he won the Silver Ball and played his part in their fourth-placed finish.

    He enjoyed a decent season on loan at Deportivo La Coruna last term and is ready to take the next step. One of Valverde’s best attributes is his versatility as he is capable of playing anywhere across the midfield or as a supporting striker while he has also featured in defence.

    Federico Valverde.

    Federico Valverde is likely to get further opportunities.

    Martin Odegaard

    The fledgling career of the “Norwegian Messi” has so far not gone according to plan. Martin Odegaard was the most sought after teenager in Europe back in 2015 before choosing to sign for Madrid as a 16-year-old. He even made his debut for the first team that year, replacing Ronaldo in the last league game of the season – a substitution that was presumably meant to be indicative of the youngster’s future at the club.

    However, he didn’t progress as hoped and was then sent on loan to Heerenveen for the next two seasons. Having been included in the pre-season squad, the 19-year-old will be hoping to finally make his mark and remain at the Bernabeu this season.

    Martin Odegaard

    Plenty of talent but yet to deliver: Martin Odegaard.

    Vinicius Junior

    Madrid may have failed in their efforts to lure Neymar to the Bernabeu this summer but in Vinicius Junior they have a dazzling albeit raw talent in a similar mould. No one is expecting the 18-year-old to emulate the Brazilian superstar he looks up to but early impressions from within the Madrid camp suggests he’s already made quite the impact in training.

    Several clips of Vinicius’ pace and quick feet during practice sessions have been doing the rounds on social media. He will certainly get his chance to shine on the US tour and should he grab it with both hands, Lopetegui may be tempted to use him, sporadically at least, during the upcoming season.

    Borja Mayoral

    Madrid are yet to sign a striker in this transfer window and Karim Benzema’s future isn’t entirely certain either.

    That means Borja Mayoral may well get the opportunity to build on his 29 appearances for the first team, 24 of which came last season and produced seven goals. The 21-year-old has proved himself as a capable but inexperienced option from the bench.

    Borja Mayoral.

    Ready to make a more telling impact? Borja Mayoral.

    Jesus Vallejo

    Much is expected of Jesus Vallejo who, at just 21, has already had two back-to-back season-long loan spells at Real Zaragoza followed by another year away with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. He was given his opportunity with Los Blancos last season though and impressed in his 12 appearances.

    With no new centre-backs arriving at the Bernabeu this summer, the young Spaniard looks destined for more action after featuring in the knockout stages of the team’s Champions League success last term.

    Jesus Vallejo (C)

    Promising centre-back: Jesus Vallejo (C).

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