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Real Madrid Stock Watch: Thibaut Courtois leads the way

By Kevin Parvizi

goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid CF during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Paris St Germain and Real Madrid at at the Parc des Princes on September 18, 2019 in Paris, France(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid CF during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Paris St Germain and Real Madrid at at the Parc des Princes on September 18, 2019 in Paris, France(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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MALLORCA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 19: m of Real Madrid CF looks on prior the Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at Iberostar Estadi on October 19, 2019 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
MALLORCA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 19: m of Real Madrid CF looks on prior the Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at Iberostar Estadi on October 19, 2019 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Rising: Rodrygo

Rodrygo Goes is an absolutely phenomenal talent, and with the way he moves off the ball, it’s easy to forget that he is only 18. His age makes it all the more important not to burden him with expectations, but Rodrygo seems to have the maturity to deal with anything thrown his way. And based on how teammates like Karim Benzema treat him, the Brazilian forward has the support he needs in the squad.

Zinedine Zidane gave Rodrygo a chance to start as a right winger against Galatasaray, as he’s more comfortable on that side than Vinicius Junior, who made way for the returning Eden Hazard in the starting lineup.

Injuries to Gareth Bale and Lucas Vazquez opened up this starting slot for Rodrygo, whose rapid-fire debut wondergoal vs Osasuna was still fresh in the Madrid fan base’s minds.

Rodrygo didn’t produce that magical moment, but he looked right at home in the Champions League despite playing in front of a tough crowd. The teenager led the team with four successful dribbles and added two key passes with a shot on target.

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It wasn’t superstar-level performance from Rodrygo, but for a young player making his Champions League debut, it was an ideal start. Rodrygo looked far more effective than Vazquez ever has this season, and he also looked more dangerous on the ball when facing defenders one-on-one than Bale, who is still decent at his worst.

Rodrygo has made his claim to more playing time, and, at the very least, he should be ahead of the uninspiring Vazquez in Zidane’s pecking order on the wings. And because of his versatility, he may have already jumped in front of another highly talented prospect in Vinicius.

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