It had looked like Real Madrid were bound to be knocked out early from the Copa del Rey once again, when they fell two goals behind Villarreal in the first half of the game itself. And taking into consideration how sluggish the team have looked since their return from the World Cup break, fans cannot be blamed for losing hope.
Yet, Real Madrid showed once again why they are a team that can never be counted out. Scoring three goals in the second half to turn the game completely around and ultimately winning 3-2 to secure their place in the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey.
Carlo Ancelotti’s substitutions played a key part in turning the game around though, when Villarreal had seemed in complete control at one point of time. One of the players brought off early in the second half was Rodrygo.
The Brazilian youngster did not seem happy with the decision though and Ancelotti seemed to be pointing a finger towards him, and telling him something as he sat on the bench.
Real Madrid youngster unhappy with his role in the team
As reported by Antonio Romero in Carrusel Deportivo (via Cadena SER) and as translated by Google Translate:
"“Rodrygo begins to tell his closest circle that he is beginning to be a little tired of being an eternal substitute, that he believes that he has made merits to play more than what he plays and that when he starts it is always the first change. The change is Asensio for Rodrygo, whatever Vinicius is doing on the field and whatever Benzema is doing. It is something that Rodrygo is already slipping into his inner circle.”"
It is safe to say that Rodrygo is not quite a starter for Real Madrid yet. He has played quite a bit of football this season, but when everybody is available, it does feel like he is either left on the bench or is one of the first to be substituted off.
Rodrygo will have to play his way into the regular starting XI though, as his recent form has not been quite up to the mark.
At the same time, it is worth remembering that the Brazilian international is just 22 years of age and has plenty of time to develop, and unlock his potential. He is certainly on the right path and has taken a lot of steps in the right direction since the arrival of Ancelotti as manager.