Real Madrid star’s position could change permanently

Striker is viewed as an area of weakness for Real Madrid when it comes to depth. They might have the best in the world there in the form of Karim Benzema, but the Frenchman has been struggling with fitness problems frequently this season. On the other hand, it is safe to say that Mariano Diaz is not in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans. As a result, the Italian manager has had to improvise and it is Rodrygo who has played up front in the absence of Benzema.

Rodrygo is having an impressive season as well. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has scored 7 goals and provided 5 assists in 17 appearances across all competitions in this campaign.

Thus, the Brazilian is finally on the verge of nailing down his spot in the starting XI. And it looks like Ancelotti might have plans to continue playing him in a more central position, instead of on the wings.

As reported by Real Madrid’s official website, Ancelotti said regarding Rodrygo:

"“Rodrygo has so much potential, either as a centre forward or a second striker. The wide positions aren’t as good for him because his strengths are his movement, dribbling in tight spaces. I see him more as a centre forward than a wide man.”"

Rodrygo could undergo positional change for good at Real Madrid

While Rodrygo is viewed as a winger by most people, it looks like his long-term future at Real Madrid might lie in playing in more central areas of the pitch.

Yes, he is not the finished article in that role and there are still a number of areas to work on but at the same time, he is showing a lot of potential as well.

On the other hand, Federico Valverde has taken his place on the wing and it is safe to say that the Uruguayan has made the position his own. He might very well be the best player at Real Madrid at this point of time and is absolutely undroppable on current form, which might explain Ancelotti’s plans for Rodrygo and a potential positional change for good.