Real Madrid: 3 first-team players who are not even close to reaching their ceiling

FW Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo Goes has mostly been a right winger for Real Madrid since joining the Merengue club in that same summer 2019 transfer window for just about the same fee. Purchased from Santos as an unproven prospect, Rodrygo received rave reviews for being more advanced than most teenage forwards, and it literally took him seconds to prove the scouting reports correct by scoring a wondergoal against Osasuna. It was the second-fastest debut goal in Madrid history behind legendary No. 9 Ronaldo.

The Brazilian forward can conceivably play at any of the three forward positions in Real’s traditional 4-3-3. He bulked up this offseason and could be a striker in another system where a need existed. But his best position is on the left, as he showed during a magical run of form this season, prior to an injury against Granada during a first half he was dominating on that flank.

Some people say Rodrygo does not have as high of a ceiling as Vinicius Junior, but I’m not sure that’s the case. He’s not as explosive as his compatriot, but he is younger and has not played as many games. Rodrygo is also plenty agile and athletic in his own right, and his technical quality with both feet, in addition to his tactical understanding, only adds to his upside appeal.

Rodrygo has featured in just 566 La Liga minutes this season, which ranks 17th on the team. Yet he has five assists. That speaks to his ability to make an impact as a chance-creator, which is not the usual case for young forwards initially prized for dribbling and scoring potential.

It’s going to be exciting to see what Rodrygo can do in Madrid with more game experience and a role carved out. Madridistas are absolutely in love with this guy, as he is the epitome of a team player while also being an exciting athlete on the wing.