When I was watching Real Madrid’s first televised pre-season game of the season against Rangers, I noticed a few things I did not like at all. There were gaps in the defense that allowed the Rangers to launch one attack after the other. There were pockets of spaces in between Real Madrid’s disjointed midfield — especially when Blanco was out covering for one of the full-backs. But, as always, there were a few things that were just too promising to ignore.
I’m a huge fan of Rodrygo Goes. I think he’s a good player with a very high ceiling. But I’ve been vocal about this before, I really think that what he provides to the team is limited when he’s playing on the right-wing. He doesn’t have the option to cut inside with his strong foot, and that’s one of the stronger points of his game. The ability to adapt is there, though — that’s what made him an overall success at that position.
Rodrygo’s also a great false-nine, but we haven’t seen much of that at Real Madrid because of Karim Benzema’s excellent performances. We haven’t seen him play that much on the left-wing either, and that’s because Real Madrid have had options there. One of Eden Hazard and Vinicius Jr was always available, and if not, then either Rodrygo or Asensio would get the nod. It’s weird since I genuinely think Rodrygo has the potential to be an excellent left-winger.
How well did Rodrygo play in Real Madrid’s friendly vs Rangers?
Against Rangers, Rodrygo was one of the three best players on the pitch — the other ones being Andriy Lunin and Martin Odegaard. The Brazilian scored a goal following a break which was started by Odegaard. Rodrygo is excellent in one-on-one situations, and has the speed to get past his opponents.
Rodrygo’s decision making is much more polished than Vinicius and I really think he could be a great option there going forward. He’s very intelligent with his movements, and he knows when to make a run and when to stay behind the last man, which makes it even better. A string of games at left-wing would truly unleash the best version of Rodrygo.
All this isn’t based on one game alone, by the way. Before Rodrygo got injured last season, he started a couple of games at left-wing and was playing really well. Even in his first season, his first appearance for Real Madrid, his first touch, he cut inside with his right foot, and scored a great goal after making an amazing off-the-ball run.
It just feels like Rodrygo is truly at home there, because when you combine his skillset with the ability to cut inside with his strong foot, you get a much, much better version of the Brazilian.
I don’t think we get to see much from him on that position, like I said, because of the options already available, but I do think he’s an excellent option if Ancelotti decides to try something else.