Real Madrid’s victory against Pachuca could have important consequences for some players in the first team. There are encrypted messages that do not require much engineering to be deciphered, and yesterday Xabi Alonso sent a very clear one, one that could change the course of some players at the club, such as Rodrygo.
Rodrygo and the arrival of Xabi Alonso
Since Xabi Alonso began working with the team two weeks ago, one of the most sought-after images has been that of the coach alongside Rodrygo. The Brazilian player had a season finale that raised many questions, not only because of his poor play, but also because of his attitude and lack of strength to withstand adverse situations, something key that players at a club like Real Madrid must know how to handle and overcome.
The arrival of the new coach could be a wake-up call for him, a way to start afresh and regain the confidence he has lost in himself and that of the board and fans, who do not seem bothered by the possibility of him leaving the club after the World Cup.
Xabi Alonso’s message
Real Madrid’s first match against Al-Hilal raised many questions. First of all, because of the starting eleven chosen by Xabi Alonso, a continuation of Ancelotti’s approach, with three men up front, including Rodrygo. The Brazilian’s performance was more of the same as last season, lacking position, focus, and collaboration with the team, and with little impact in attack.
Xabi Alonso opted to strengthen the midfield against Pachuca, a clear necessity given the team’s performance, not only in the first match of the World Cup, but throughout the season. He decided to give a starting place to Arda Güler, who does not seem to want to waste the opportunity that has come his way after so much patience. The player sacrificed was Rodrygo, who did not play a single minute in the match.
Gonzalo overtakes him and Mbappé waits
The Brazilian’s substitution is more striking, as Xabi Alonso opted for Gonzalo ahead of him. The youth player was the MVP of the first game and was the standout player in this second match, playing a decisive role in the first goal and assisting Güler in the second. The academy player’s attitude, along with his quality minutes, have made him a player to watch from now on.
And all this with Mbappé out. The French footballer missed the match again due to the gastric problems he has been suffering since arriving on American soil. And no one doubts that the Golden Boot winner will be a fixture in Xabi Alonso’s starting eleven when he is fully recovered.
Rodrygo is being eaten alive by the competition
It seems that Brahim also has the full confidence of Xabi Alonso. He is the kind of player the Basque coach likes: hard-working, dribbler and committed to the team. If we add to this the arrival of Franco Mastantuono to the squad on August 15, the footballing landscape facing Rodrygo could be decisive.
And all this comes a year before the World Cup, so Rodrygo will have to make an important decision about his future, seeing how the squad is changing and he seems to be losing his place, and a lot of it.
Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid is becoming complicated. The player seems to be losing ground, the competition is fierce, and it appears that Xabi Alonso trusts other players over him, and there are still two who have yet to make an appearance. The Premier League is lurking, Real Madrid is willing to sell, and for Rodrygo, it is crucial to get playing time this season, even if it is far from Madrid.