Real Valladolid owner Ronaldo has jumped to the defence of Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior.

The former Los Blancos striker explained that Vinicius has failed to establish himself in the team's starting line-up due to competition in his position with more experienced players.

"[Vinicius] has had space at Real Madrid, but the competition is always very big," Ronaldo said during a Banco Santander event.

"You look at the squad and [see that] the coach has unlimited options. Beating the competition is not easy, but he is a young boy, 20 years old and has an important future ahead of him.

"I think he is on the right track."