When everything seemed to be going against Real Madrid and it looked as though no solution was viable, Rodrygo Goes stepped up and showed that he deserves to be at this club. Twice. His name may have been shadowed by those who have played more regularly such as Vinicius Junior or even Eduardo Camavinga but he consistently finds a way to be part of the conversation once again. It may be seen as a problem that he’s not always as consistent as some other young players in the squad, but this is what sets him apart. He’s decisive and has been putting it all together for the club when they need it the most.
Against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League second-leg, Rodrygo was brought onto the pitch in the 78th minute. He replaced Carlos Casemiro as Carlo Ancelotti had to add more ways to attack with Real Madrid 12 minutes away from being knocked out of the competition at 3-0 down. The Brazilian just needed two minutes as he set himself up perfectly in the box and waited for the man he calls “papa” to find him. And he did. Luka Modric put in one of the most impeccable crosses of the season which found Rodrygo as he put the ball into the back of the net. It looked easy but it wasn’t. It required calmness and belief to get that ball into the net while leaving Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy planted on his spot.
Only a few days later, Real Madrid took on Sevilla in LaLiga. Winning this game will give Los Merengues three points but this was against arguably the toughest opponents left on their way to the league title. These three points would hold weight and would not only get them with practically one hand on the trophy, but would also move them three points ahead of Sevilla who are in third place and fighting against all odds to take first place. However, yet again Real Madrid found themselves down as they went into half-time. Sevilla scored twice and were in full control of the game until that point.
As the second half began, 21-year-old Rodrygo Goes was ready to get on the pitch. He was replacing Eduardo Camavinga. This time though, he needed longer than two minutes. He needed five. As Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal linked up perfectly on the side of the opponent’s box, Rodrygo was busy placing himself in an open spot as he knew a cross would be coming in at some point. It did. Carvajal spotted the Brazilian, put in a low cross and Rodrygo smashed it into the back of the net. He gave Real Madrid hope once again and topped off a brilliant second half with an assist for Karim Benzema in the dying moments. That goal was the third of the night. It gave Real Madrid all three points when all hope seemed lost less than an hour earlier.
Rodrygo Goes can become more than Real Madrid’s ‘super-sub’
Ever since his arrival to Real Madrid, Rodrygo has been known as a ‘super-sub’. He comes on when the team is looking for a goal, for some hope, and he gives it to them. However, at a time when his goals are directly helping Real Madrid progress, he should be known as more than that.
“The stats show he makes a big impact. Rodrygo is going to be a fantastic player and he’ll be that from the start too. He’s made the difference time and again. Rodrygo produced an incredible second-half display”, said Carlo Ancelotti after the epic comeback against Sevilla.
And he was right.
With all the criticism that follows Ancelotti, one thing has to be remembered. He is the best man-manager in world football. Zinedine Zidane was lauded for that, Ancelotti was who taught him. He knows how to bring out the best in players, particularly forwards. He knows how to keep their minds at ease and reassure them when it’s required. Vinicius Junior was always going to reach the heights he reached this season, however, Ancelotti deserves praise for helping him make it this quickly. Maybe the same can be said about Rodrygo.
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With Rodrygo, we have a gem. He is a player that we cannot take for granted or forget about. He’s not here for the flashy moves or the drama that surrounds football. He’s here to make a difference and be decisive. He has shown it time and time again.
“The coach told us to play a bit more because we struggled in the first half and they were better than us. These are things only Real Madrid are capable of doing. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this team and to be involved in these comebacks” said Rodrygo after the game.
And we are proud to have you, Rodrygo.
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