2023-09-25 22:15:18
Briefly recapitulating the trajectory of Rodrygo Goes in it Real Madrid To date, it can be analyzed how since his arrival in the 2019/20 season, the young Brazilian forward has been improving his records and his minutes played year after year. Together with Vinícius and Benzema he formed one of the best forwards in Europe over the last three seasons.
However, the departure of Benzema and the lack of a “nine” are affecting the Brazilian a lot. With the change in scheme, it seemed that Rodrygo could exploit his offensive qualities more than if he continued starting from the wing.
Despite this, he has not been able to find that ease and confidence that he already had playing as a winger. When facing goal he is more erratic than usual and he is averaging almost three shots on goal at the start of the season, yet he has only been able to score one goal, against Athletic Bilbao on matchday 1.
When Vinicius’ injury became official, all Real Madrid fans put their hopes in the talent of Rodrygo and Bellingham. Even though the results continued to arrive, the feelings remained negative. Bellingham had to advance his position on the field of play and, forced to play so close to the goal, he was able to score six goals that have meant great results for the team.
On the other hand, Rodrygo gives the impression that he has not fully accepted that position of team leader with the absence of his Brazilian teammate. He has always stood out for being a winger who sought the center forward position and from there scored many goals thanks to his good positioning, driving and dribbling, parameters where he is one of the best in the world. Playing alongside Joselu up front is totally inhibiting his scoring ability and this worries Real Madrid fans.
Rodrygo lamenting / Photo: UEFA
Is it better as a catalyst than as a starter?
The criticism of the young Brazilian does not stop and there is doubt about whether he would perform better as a substitute. For both Ancelotti and the club, Rodrygo is a fundamental pillar of the future project that is being built and it is expected that he can regain that confidence with which he was able to finish last season and once again amaze the Bernabéu with the great talent of he.
This bad streak cannot cloud reality. Rodrygo is one of the most promising footballers in the world and he has been showing it since he arrived in Chamartín. He is a great dribbler and his scoring instinct is elite. However, the absence of Vinicius in attack and being the team’s only offensive reference seems to have weighed him down excessively.
The match against Atlético de Madrid was the first big event of the season and although it is true that Real Madrid in general was missing, Rodrygo did not provide any type of danger or overwhelm to the mattress defense. He closed the match with a percentage of successful dribbles that was somewhat low for him and with zero shots on goal.
It is expected that for the next game, he can once again form a trident with Vini and Joselu against Las Palmas. With both on the wings, any offensive player who plays inside will find advantages and Rodrygo will surely be able to return all this trust from the club and the fans in the form of that efficiency, class and talent that has always characterized him.
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