Real Madrid: Regrading 2019 summer transfers in May

RW Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo Goes is ideally a left winger who can cut inside and shoot on his right, but with a great weak foot and incredible passing ability, the former Santos star is more than capable of shining on the right side of the formation.

Because of Eden Hazard’s status as the first-choice left winger and Vinicius Junior’s more precipitous drop-off in quality from the left to the right, Rodrygo made 14 appearances on the right compared to just one on the left in 2019-2020.

Signed for about 45 million euros, the 19-year-old has been worth every penny thus far. His debut goal against Osasuna, which was the second-fastest in club history behind No. 9 Ronaldo’s, was a perfect encapsulation of his cool finishing and ability to take defenders on. His first touch on that goal was special.

Rodrygo then outdid that debut goal with a perfect hat-trick in the Champions League against Galatasaray. While Real Madrid wisely slowed things down in the second half of the season and put him back in Castilla – where he absolutely owns the level of competition – he ended the campaign with a team-high 0.80 goals and assists per 90 minutes (minus penalties). (Stat via FBRef.com.)

The new top prospect has all the traits to be a superstar for Los Blancos. Count this signing as a home-run for Perez and Co.

Grade: A+