Real Madrid have done a wonderful job in recent years when it comes to identifying young talents and then developing them into first-team stars at the Santiago Bernabeu. Their team right now is a unique combination of legendary veterans and rising youngsters, who have the potential to reach those lofty heights themselves.
Some of the biggest success stories from recent years have been the signings of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Fede Valverde. All of them were brought in as teenagers and have gone on to establish themselves as regulars in the starting XI.
The situation of Rodrygo is especially interesting right now. It would be wrong to call him a nailed on starter just yet. But it is certainly what he seems destined to be.
The Brazilian youngster appears to have been very close to a move to Barcelona before joining Real Madrid though. As reported by GOAL, Rodrygo said:
"“I had two shirts: one from Barça and the other from Real Madrid and I had to choose. It was very easy for me to choose. But everything was agreed with Barcelona and it was a surprise for me, I didn’t expect Real Madrid to come. It was a scare but then one of the happiest moments of my life.”"
Real Madrid star had almost joined Barcelona before making the move to Santiago Bernabeu
Rodrygo had come up through the ranks at Santos before making the move to Real Madrid. The transfer package was believed to be around €45 million.
One can only wonder what could have been, if Rodrygo had not joined Real Madrid. The club certainly would not have won last season’s Champions League, because the Brazilian youngster came up with some clutch goals in the knockout stages of the competition.
This season is more about him making the jump from rising star to a nailed on starter. He has played quite a bit of football already and certainly made his presence felt. According to stats from Transfermarkt, Rodrygo has scored 10 goals and provided 6 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions in this campaign.
He is not quite a nailed on starter in Carlo Ancelotti’s side yet. But the Brazilian youngster is certainly approaching that level.