90 MIN FOOTBALL - Brazilian player Rodrygo's future at Real Madrid remains uncertain. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that the player is unlikely to be included in the team's plans. Rodrygo has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including two London clubs, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal, who have already acquired Viktor Gyokeres, are looking for an alternative striker, and Rodrygo is on their radar. Similar to Arsenal, Spurs are also looking for a capable winger after Son Heung-min chose to leave during this season's transfer window. This has made the race between Spurs and Arsenal even more intense. Alonso is interested in bringing new players into his squad before the transfer window closes. However, Alonso wants to confirm Rodrygo's future first and will take action accordingly. Regarding his future at Real Madrid, Rodrygo has reportedly begun consulting with his agent. He is said to be unsure about his role at Real Madrid for the upcoming season. However, Alonso's desire to bring new players into the team has not yet received the green light from club management. Real Madrid reportedly will no longer be recruiting any new players, and Alonso has been asked to be satisfied with the current squad. Regarding Rodrygo, the club stated that Los Blancos remain open to selling the Selecao star. If a team makes an attractive offer, Madrid is ready to let him go. The uncertainty surrounding Rodrygo's future at Real Madrid has worried Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. The increasingly tight transfer window means negotiations could stall and yield nothing. For Spurs, signing the 24-year-old is considered a profitable proposition. Moreover, Rodrygo is considered to be able to match Son's role while playing for Spurs.
Unique Role
As a right winger, Rodrygo has a unique tactical role. He is not the typical winger who relies solely on speed to penetrate the penalty box. Instead, he often drifts inside (an inverted winger), allowing right-backs like Dani Carvajal to overlap. This movement creates space and disrupts the opposing defense. With his dominant left foot, he can curl shots into goal or provide through balls into central areas. This versatility is key. He can be a goalscorer, an assist provider, or even a distraction, opening up space for others. Rodrygo has proven himself to be a player with a steely mentality in big matches. On the right flank, he has often been an unexpected hero, especially in the Champions League. One of his most iconic moments was his goal against Chelsea in the 2022 quarter-finals, which marked the start of Madrid's dramatic comeback. However, his greatest contribution came when he scored two late goals against Manchester City in the Champions League semifinals. This performance not only demonstrated his ability as a cool finisher, but also the never-say-die mentality that has become synonymous with him.
The power of building chemistry
One of Rodrygo's main strengths is his ability to build chemistry with other players, especially Vinícius Júnior and Karim Benzema. This attacking trio frequently switches positions, creating unpredictable attacks. Rodrygo, with his technical ability, can serve up the speedy Vinícius on the left flank, or combine one-two passes with Benzema in the middle. This partnership demonstrates that Rodrygo is not just an individual player, but also an intelligent team player, able to understand and adapt to the movements of his teammates.Despite his youth, Rodrygo has proven himself to be more than just a winger. With his combination of tactical flexibility, a decisive mentality, and exceptional teamwork, he has become an integral part of Real Madrid's success.***
