An insight into the recent struggles being endured by Real Madrid frontman Rodrygo has on Monday been forthcoming.
As much comes fresh off another disappointing night’s work for the Brazilian on Sunday.
Afforded his latest starting berth alongside fellow countryman and partner-in-crime Vinícius Jr. in attack, Rodrygo struggled in front of goal once more.
Despite Real having put four goals past a ragged Celta Vigo backline, the 23-year-old failed to add his name to the scoresheet.
This, all told, means that Rodrygo has now found the net just once in his last 11 La Liga appearances.
With calls mounting for Arda Güler to be afforded more playing time on the back of his goalscoring cameo on Sunday, it has in turn been suggested that Rodrygo could perhaps do with a spell away from the limelight, to regain his confidence.
Carlo Ancelotti, however, remains a firm believer in the talents of his young frontman, amid confirmation that he should still be considered as clear of both Güler and Brahim Díaz in the pecking order in Spain’s capital.
Rodrygo’s entourage, meanwhile, point towards the fact that ‘he is not playing in his natural position on the left wing and that he has had to adapt to the right flank for the benefit of the team, which has been detrimental to his goalscoring’.
That’s according to The Athletic, who also reiterate the point that, when it matters most, in particular on high-profile nights in Europe, the former Santos talent time and again rises to the occasion.
No matter the case, the message on the part of Rodrygo himself is clear – he is going nowhere, with the impending arrival of Kylian Mbappé in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad acting as motivation, rather than a source for concern.
The Brazilian’s goal therefore remains the same – to establish himself as a ‘legend’ in Spain’s capital before his time is up.
Conor Laird | GSFN
