Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch against Monchengladbach

Real Madrid, Luka Modric (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
Real Madrid, Luka Modric (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
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Real Madrid, Rodrygo Goes
Real Madrid, Rodrygo Goes (Photo by Berengui/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Real Madrid FW Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo Goes isn’t a guaranteed starter, and he’s actually started in just two games this season. His first start was on the right against Real Sociedad, and he did a whole lot of nothing in that 0-0 draw. Then, he started against Shakhtar Donetsk on his favored left but did even less, as the entire team crumbled in the first 45 minutes.

But Rodrygo’s had bright moments. He made a calm pass to assist Luka Modric against Barcelona to seal the Clasico in Real’s favor. Rodrygo had a similar play as a substitute at Levante for Karim Benzema in transition, assisting the 2-0 goal.

Per WhoScored.com, Rodrygo has three games with at least two dribbles completed and two assists in the 2020-2021 season. His cool head under pressure and wisdom are uncanny at the age of 19, but Real Madrid do need to see continued growth from him on the ball.

Rodrygo could make an impact in this game on the left, right, or as a substitute. Don’t be surprised if he gets the start or plays a meaningful role off the bench, as Zinedine Zidane continues to rotate players to find the winning combination. Rodrygo, like so many of his teammates, is much better than he showed in last week’s Champions League fixture. After all, he had some great goals in his first Champions League season last year, including a perfect hat-trick vs. Galatasaray.