'Karim is an idol': Vinicius praise Karim Benzema leadership at Real Madrid

Vinicius is back in Zidane's first-team plans. but credits Benzema with helping him to keep focused.

Speaking to RMTV, Vinicius Junior said: "Karim Benzema is an idol, it is an honour to play with him. We always talk about what I can improve, also how he can help me.

"When I arrived, he did not know me but he still started to help me. He helped, and now he continues to do so, he tells me to be calm and helps me make the best decisions.

"It is a dream to play with Karim and with all the players who are here. I take advantage of all the moments with everyone and I listen a lot because they help. They know that I listen a lot and I learn with them."

Vinicius fell down the pecking order at Real Madrid at the end of last season with Zinedine Zidane leaving the Brazilian out of the squad to face Manchester City.

However, the 20-year-old is now firmly back in the first-team picture, scoring in the back-to-back La Liga games with the Blancos on top of the table.