Rodrygo’s time at Real Madrid is done
There have been a lot of comments lately from the Rodrygo Goes, especially during the international break, as the media wanted to know what was going on behind the scenes about his future, which remains uncertain under Xabi Alonso.
In response, the Spanish manager gave him the nod against Elche on Sunday evening, but that decision backfired as the 24-year-old stood out as Real Madrid’s least performing attacker in his almost an hour spent on the pitch.
Created no chance. Failed to trouble the goalkeeper with four shots. Completed none of his attempted dribbles and lost possession four times, leaving the pitch with his 29th Real Madrid appearance in a row without a goal.
This is just the third instance in the history of the club, where an attacker has failed to score in 29+ games after Brahim Diaz, 30 games, ended in May 2022, and Rafa Marañón, 29 games during his time at Real Madrid between 1968 and 1974.
What next for Rodrygo Goes?
Not trusted by Xabi Alonso and hasn’t been convincing when given the benefit of the doubt, it is clear the hopes of Rodrygo playing his way into the plans of the manager are not so bright, and work should be ongoing to sort his future.
Rodrygo was linked with a host of clubs in the summer, including Premier League giants, before he decided to remain with Real Madrid, and maybe his entourage should revisit those interests to salvage his season.
With the FIFA World Cup coming next summer, a January move is not entirely ruled out at this stage, because his minutes are only going to get fewer, even so, when Franco Mastantuono, who has been favoured by Alonso, returns from injury.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
