REAL Madrid are confident they have their very own Trent Alexander-Arnold for the future.
Back in April, the Champions League winners splashed a fee that could rise to £18million on an 18-year-old Brazilian right-back.
Vinicius Tobias is married to Wag Ingrid
Tobias is seen as the natural successor to Dani Alves.
Vinicius Tobias was brought to the Bernabeu from Shakhtar Donetsk, after starting at Internacional in his homeland.
He idolised Dani Alves growing up, and is being tipped to fill the veteran's boots for the Brazil national team.
Better still, he has been likened to Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold - because he offers playmaking abilities from a defensive position.
Over the years, Brazil have always been blessed in the full-back positions.
Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Carlos Alberto and more have graced the world stage.
And it could be Vinicius Tobias who is the next to join that illustrious list.
He first impressed fans with his swashbuckling displays in the U15 South American Championships in 2019 - scoring in the final against fierce rivals Argentina.
But before that, he was snapped up by Internacional as a 12-year-old desperate to impress.
It wasn't an easy transition for the young boy, who left his mother's Sao Paulo home to move 685 miles to Porto Alegre and link up with their academy.
Forward come midfielder come right-back
Vinicius Tobias started off as a forward, when he joined Internacional.
As he rose through the ranks, he transitioned into midfield and impressed with his ability to beat opponents, make driving runs into the penalty area, and his passing always found a man - long and short.
But it wasn't until an injury to the youth team's regular right-back that the teenager discovered a position he would thrive in.
"I was signed as a forward, but by 2017, I was playing as a midfielder," Vinicius told GloboEsporte.
"Our full-back, Gustavo Bagatini, was injured and we didn't have another one. I asked the coach, Lucas Marchetti, for the chance to play there. It wasn't very difficult, but I still had a lot to learn."
Success
It seemed natural for Vinicius Tobias to play full-back, and he adapted quickly to the new role.
And he became an integral part of the Internacional side who won the Brazilian U20 Championship in 2021.
Right-back Vinicius Tobias holds the U15 South American Championship trophy.
“He is the typical Brazilian player, an athlete with technical abilities of a very high level," his former coach Joao Miguel told Goal.
"The relationship between the ball and and him is great, while the ability he has to solve the problems of the game is also very high, as well as his understanding of the tactical issues of the game.
“His physical attributes are very good, too, and he has good mental strength. He is a player who likes a duel and who enjoys the challenges of the game.
"So it is with huge happiness that he is already making his way abroad, where he will shine thanks to all of these skills."
A chance for greatness
Bayern Munich, Juventus, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid all registered an interest in Vinicius Tobias.
However, it was Shakhtar Donetsk who won the race for his signature - paying £6million for his services without the youngster appearing in the Internacional first team once.
But, when Russia invaded the Ukraine, shortly after he linked up with his new team, foreign footballers were allowed to leave their clubs on loan.
Although he did find time to marry his blogger Wag, Ingrid in 2021.
Vinicius Tobias shared an emotional image on Instagram with the blonde beauty - even shedding a tear on their big day.
Now Real Madrid have acquired him ahead of the 2022-23 season, and Carlo Ancelotti has already hinted the deal will be made permanent.
The fee, which was agreed, could cost 18million.
If he is the heir to Dani Alves' throne, that will be money well spent.
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