3 Real Madrid players who must step up with Gareth Bale injured

RW Rodrygo Goes

We move on to the other right winger in the squad, Rodrygo Goes. The young Brazilian started his Real Madrid career in fairytale fashion with a debut goal against Osasuna, a perfect hat-trick against Galatasaray, and a few more positive performances in a front three with a healthy Eden Hazard and an undeniable Karim Benzema. Even last season, Rodrygo was a success, particularly when it came to creating chances.

Rodrygo has taken a backseat in 2021-2022 to start the season, but he has still been a presence off the bench. Carlo Ancelotti likes him, and thus Rodrygo should be the first man off the bench if he is not a starter. And he will also get starts on the right wing from time to time.

He must seize these opportunities. There is no need to compare Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, but I am sure he has noticed how Vini has been able to capture the spotlight this season with incredible performances. Rodrygo is just as capable of doing the same, too, and while it is difficult for him to do this on the right vs. the left, it’s really up to him to find that extra gear to his game. Madridistas would like to see more aggression from Rodrygo.

Let’s see if that happens in the coming months. With Gareth Bale out, Rodrygo’s ability to run and defend, as well as cross, will be sure-fire assets. But can he also step up and start taking shots on? Can he add some goals to this fiery Real Madrid attack?