Rodrygo’s Resurgence Amidst Competition: A Critical Analysis

Since joining Real Madrid from Santos in 2019, Rodrygo has remained somewhat of a puzzle. Although he has scored significant goals in the Champions League and helped secure La Liga titles, he has never fully cemented a consistent role in the squad. In the 2023-24 season, his most engaged to date under Carlo Ancelotti, Rodrygo started only 28 league matches and completed the full 90 minutes on merely 12 occasions. Despite contributing 15 goals in La Liga, there were persistent reasons for his absence from the pitch.

As the last season drew to a close, tensions escalated. Following the March international break, Rodrygo began just two of Madrid’s remaining ten league matches and did not feature at all in May. A notable absence occurred during the decisive Clasico against Barcelona, where Ancelotti opted not to substitute him in despite the team’s pressing need for a goal.

“I see Rodrygo in good shape. He was on the bench for a technical decision,” Ancelotti explained. “He’s still important, and we’ll need him at the Club World Cup. He’s a special player and will play a key role.”

However, Ancelotti was not present for the Club World Cup, having been replaced by Xabi Alonso at the helm. Rodrygo’s circumstances did not improve; after starting Madrid’s opener against Al-Hilal, he made only two subsequent substitute appearances while players such as Gonzalo Garcia and Arda Guler advanced up the hierarchy. By the time Madrid exited the semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain, Rodrygo found himself on the bench once again.

The issue seemed to stem from Alonso’s difficulty in finding the right position for Rodrygo. This was a challenge faced by Ancelotti as well. Despite Rodrygo’s versatility, as described by Jude Bellingham, who called him the ‘most technically gifted player’ in the squad last February, it is evident that he is not a natural winger. In 2022, Rodrygo himself admitted a preference for playing as a second striker or No. 10.

Ancelotti often deployed Rodrygo on the wings, utilizing him centrally only when needing a replacement for Karim Benzema during the latter’s injury-plagued final season. Alonso, on the other hand, prefers to place players where they fit seamlessly into his tactical framework. The role on the right requires either width or the ability to cut inside, which did not suit Rodrygo’s tendency to drift centrally.

Consequently, Rodrygo was benched for 16 of Madrid’s first 20 La Liga and Champions League matches this season, while Alonso opted for players like Brahim Diaz and Franco Mastantuono for more defined roles, especially as Kylian Mbappe thrived in a more liberated position.

A turning point arrived in December. Following an injury to Mbappe before a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City, Alonso started Rodrygo on the right side of a 4-4-2 formation. Although Madrid lost 2-1, Rodrygo scored and emerged as the standout player. His emotional hug with Alonso post-goal reflected his desire for team unity amidst rumors of the manager’s potential dismissal.

“We know there’s a lot of pressure here,” Rodrygo articulated after the match. “It’s normal when things don’t go your way. I wanted to show our unity after scoring.”

This performance marked the beginning of Rodrygo’s resurgence. He netted again against Alaves shortly thereafter, contributing to a late win. Even after a brief return to the bench for a Copa del Rey match, he helped lead Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Sevilla, assisting on both goals.

In a decisive match against Real Betis, Rodrygo provided two assists as Madrid secured a convincing 5-1 win, showcasing his return to form. In his last four starts, he has returned with two goals, three assists, and a penalty won, contrasting sharply with his previous months of inactivity.

Importantly, this revival has occurred without Rodrygo performing at his peak. Critics argue he is a player of fleeting brilliance rather than consistent dominance. His Champions League heroics against Chelsea and Manchester City in 2024 will be fondly remembered, yet they were not part of a streak of outstanding performances. Rodrygo often drifts in and out of play rather than consistently commanding the game.

His goal against City marked his first at the club level in nearly nine months, while his strike against Alaves ended an 11-month La Liga goal drought. Historically, inconsistency has hindered Rodrygo’s progress and appeared to foreshadow his departure from Madrid before this recent upturn.

Tactically, Rodrygo initially filled in as a left winger when Vinicius Jr. fatigued. Recently, he has carved out a more impactful role on the right, increasing his influence on matches, both in open play and set-pieces. While not yet at his best, he has demonstrated enough promise and output to warrant further trust.

The broader concern remains that Real Madrid possesses numerous elite attackers but lacks sufficient roles for all. Mbappe and Vinicius are necessary starters, while Jude Bellingham is untouchable as the most advanced midfielder. Ancelotti’s downfall stemmed from attempting to include Rodrygo in an overcrowded attack without the necessary midfield support. With Rodrygo back in contention, Alonso faces a similar challenge.

“That’s my decision. There are so many games, and we’ll see how it goes depending on our needs,” Alonso commented ahead of the Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Atletico Madrid in Jeddah.

Fielding all three of Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo together poses risks. They started in the narrow win over Sevilla, yet Madrid appeared less than convincing. With Mbappe sidelined for the latest victory against Betis—the team’s most impressive display so far—Rodrygo may receive additional opportunities. However, it remains to be seen if Alonso will revert him to the bench once all forward options are available again.

As Rodrygo prepares to celebrate his 25th birthday, questions linger about the sustainability of his current form and the consistency of his role at Madrid. He has shown he can still contribute significantly, suggesting he should earn more chances in the season’s latter half compared to his earlier months under Alonso. Yet, with only two years remaining on his contract, and Mastantuono poised for more opportunities, Madrid may consider selling Rodrygo soon if they believe the timing is right.

The conversation also includes the potential departure of Vinicius, who is reportedly stalling on contract negotiations amid tensions with Alonso. A lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia is reportedly on the table for Vinicius, and his exit could pave the way for Rodrygo to secure more minutes in his preferred position on the left.

Thus, after a summer where leaving seemed imminent, Rodrygo is now being rewarded for his commitment. However, the recent performances could also suggest a pivotal moment before his Madrid career concludes, as clubs may be tempted to pursue him in the approaching months.