Real Madrid: 3 young players who will thrive under Carlo Ancelotti
By Sudhir Salvi
RODRYGO
Rodrygo had a fast start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu. From scoring in his debut game against Osasuna to smashing a hat-trick against Galatasaray in his first start in the Champions League, the Brazil international had been bestowed with grand expectations, but he was overlooked by Zidane for large parts of last season and managed to score just one league goal, ultimately.
He has shown that he is a mature player and the 20-year-old’s goal-scoring numbers from his first season would suggest that he can also handle the pressure of playing for a club of Real Madrid’s stature. However, he needs to be deployed in a system wherein he gets enough opportunities to have shots at goal rather than be someone who keeps delivering crosses.
Ancelotti can use him on the right-wing and get him to cut inside to good effect, something that most of Borussia Dortmund’s coaches did with Jadon Sancho in recent times. The youngster is one of the most promising players that Madrid have in their squad and with a little bit more consistency in minutes and support from the manager, he could be a very good player to rely on.
It will be interesting to see if he gets a fixed role on the right flank of Madrid’s attack in the event that Mbappe does not sign for the club.