Real Madrid: Top 5 performances from 6-0 win over Galatasaray

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MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 06: Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Galatasaray at Bernabeu on November 6, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Ricardo Nogueira/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /

RW Rodrygo

Of course, it all has to start with Rodrygo. At this point, it’s fair to wonder if Rodrygo is a must-start over Gareth Bale, who is still a quality player but hasn’t shown this level of quality in the 2019-2020 campaign. Rodrygo is clearly a key part of the future for Real Madrid; that much was clear when Real signed him this summer from Santos.

However, the future is coming much earlier than anyone could have anticipated. Rodrygo is just 18 years old, but in his second Champions League appearance, he looked experienced beyond his years. The runs Rodrygo was making off the ball were breathtaking in their incisiveness and intelligence. He knew exactly where to go, where to be, when to get there, and where his surrounding teammates were.

For all the skills and technical quality, Rodrygo’s intelligence stands out the most as his defining quality, and it sets him apart from so many talented young players who have signed with Real Madrid. Rodrygo’s hat trick – and well-earned assist for Karim Benzema – are to be celebrated fervently. The Brazilian is a future superstar, and he’s already a key player for Real Madrid.

Rodrygo’s had a number of strong games this season, including his first appearance against Galatasaray, but he showed a different level of quality than what we’ve seen from any player in a White kit so far this season. Sensational.

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