With very few, if any, summer signings expected once again, the 2021-2022 season for Real Madrid will be even more about getting the most of the young players and the out-of-favor veterans who are looking to finally get their careers back on track.
Out of all the players currently at Real Madrid who are fighting for a regular spot, the youngsters are the ones held in higher regard by the fans, and there is no young forward who has earned more good grace from Madridistas than Rodrygo Goes.
After an ultra-quick debut goal and a perfect hat trick against Galatasaray as highlights in a promising first season from Santos, Rodrygo was seemingly on the up-and-up when December 2020 began. An injury against Granada derailed Rodrygo’s hopes, but the Br azilian prospect still finished the season with 0.48 assists per 90 to lead the team.
Now, it seems as if new manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was hired specifically to get the most out of the young and veteran players currently in the Real Madrid squad, is ready to help Rodrygo take the next step.
According to a report from highly reliable journalist Jose Luis Sanchez on El Chiringuito, Ancelotti would like Rodrygo Goes to be “key” to his plans in the 2021-2022 season.
There is still some time to go before the season begins, and everything is always fluid, especially with so many players available on the wings and the ongoing chase for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe, whom Sanchez himself says wants to play for Real Madrid.
But it is entirely believable that Rodrygo can be a regular starter next season. If Mbappe is not signed, the left wing job should be Rodrygo’s to win. He has been more consistent than Vinicius Junior and Eden Hazard.
And working in Rodrygo’s favor is his versatility. The right wing spot is even more available. Lucas Vazquez has been a seemingly better fit at right back, Gareth Bale is a massive question mark at this point, Brahim Diaz is headed for another loan to Milan, and Marco Asensio’s performances last season were below the level Rodrygo showed.
Rodrygo is heading into his third season with Real Madrid, and this could be a breakout year for the technically gifted, intelligent, and, at times, electrifying winger. Ancelotti has a long list of players he needs to work with and help, but Rodrygo really should be atop his list of priorities to really hone in on in the 2021-2022 season.