In spite of Xabi Alonso’s recent praise for Arsenal target Rodrygo, the manager benched the Real Madrid winger for the second game in a row on Thursday.
Following all the discourse around Rodrygo being left on the bench for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup game against Pachuca on Sunday, Xabi Alonso told the media he’s still counting on the Brazilian winger.
“He looks good, enthusiastic,” Alonso said. “The other day [against Pachuca] was a technical decision (to leave him out) but he’s still important, he’s a special player. I think he’ll play an important part at the Club World Cup.”
Yet despite those claims, Alonso once again named Rodrygo on the bench for Thursday’s group decider against RB Salzburg.
This time around, Rodrygo did at least make it onto the pitch, coming on in the 66th minute with Real Madrid already 2-0 up. The match finished 3-0, and Alonso’s team made it to the knockout stages, where they’ll face Juventus in the last-16.
But the decision to use Rodrygo as a substitute once again continues to suggest that the winger won’t be a starter under Alonso.
As a reminder, this is a Real Madrid team without Kylian Mbappe (illness), Endrick (injury), and incoming winger signing Franco Mastantuono. If Rodrygo isn’t starting games now, will that change when Alonso has three more forwards to choose from?
Cadena SER reported this week that Rodrygo’s entourage have confirmed he’s exploring a Premier League move, and Real Madrid would want €90m (£76.7m) for his transfer. Arsenal are reportedly among the interested parties.
But Real haven’t yet decided whether they’re planning to sell at all, and they likely won’t make that call until after the Club World Cup. Cadena SER claim that if Rodrygo does leave, it’s not expected to be until August.