Rodrygo’s stunning resurgence at Real Madrid turns exit whispers into essential optimism, proving his irreplaceable edge in Xabi Alonso’s evolving attack.
Rodrygo’s stock had plummeted so low at Real Madrid that whispers of an exit felt inevitable. Once a guaranteed starter under Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian winger now battles for scraps amid Xabi Alonso’s tactical overhaul. Yet recent outings signal a sharp turnaround, pulling him back from the fringes and into the spotlight where he belongs.
Rodrygo and the Shadows Under Alonso
Xabi Alonso’s arrival transformed Real Madrid’s setup, shifting from Ancelotti’s fluid 4-3-3 to a more rigid back-three system that squeezed wide attackers like Rodrygo. The 24-year-old, who shone in the Champions League with clutch semifinal strikes against Manchester City a few seasons back, suddenly became a bench option, featuring mostly in brief cameos.
This demotion sparked transfer talk, with clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool circling as Madrid eyed a €100 million-plus sale to reshape their attack. Rodrygo’s limited minutes—often sub-30 per game early in the 2025/26 campaign—fueled doubts about his fit, especially as Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior hogged the headlines despite the team’s uneven run.
Alonso’s early experiments prioritised midfield density, pushing Bellingham higher and sidelining wing speed. Madrid’s attack stuttered, dropping points in La Liga after leading the pack—now trailing Barcelona. Rodrygo, with his market value dipping to €75 million amid the uncertainty, seemed surplus, his past heroics fading into “what if” territory.
Tactical Pivot Unlocks Space
A rough patch exposed cracks, prompting Alonso to tweak back to a front-three formation that echoes Ancelotti’s glory days. This switch demands pace and width, areas where Rodrygo excels, stretching defences and linking play.
The change coincided with Madrid’s need to regroup after surrendering the La Liga summit, blending flair with structure to counter Barcelona’s surge. In the Champions League clash against Manchester City, Rodrygo started and played the full 90 minutes despite a 2-1 home defeat.
He broke a 33-match goal drought with a sharp finish—proof his instincts remain razor-sharp on big stages. Alonso praised the fluidity Rodrygo brings, noting his tracking back adds vital balance without sacrificing threat.
String of Key Starts for Rodrygo
Rodrygo has cemented his revival with consecutive La Liga starts post-City, contributing towards goals each time. These outings showcase his end-to-end engine: darting runs forward, precise crosses, and timely interventions behind the ball.
His first goal in months against City marked a personal milestone, easing pressure and validating Alonso’s renewed faith. Across all competitions this season, Rodrygo logs higher defensive metrics than Madrid’s other forwards—more tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes—making him indispensable in high-pressing battles.
With Vinicius Jr. off-form since the Ballon d’Or snub, Rodrygo’s revival fills a creativity void. Alonso’s not sweating the winger’s form, viewing him as a cornerstone rather than a squad player.
Versatility Real Madrid Crave
Selling Rodrygo now would defy logic. At 24, he slots anywhere across the front line—right wing, left, or false nine—offering Alonso flexibility amid injury risks to Mbappe or Vinicius. No other Madrid forward matches his work rate off the ball; his press intensity tops the group, forcing turnovers that spark counters.
Clutch moments define him: that semifinal brace versus City propelled Madrid to glory. As Madrid chases La Liga’s summit, Rodrygo’s big-night reliability becomes priceless. His retention stabilises a squad blending youth and stars, avoiding a hasty rebuild.
The Downhill Myth
History warns against bolting from Real Madrid prematurely. The club sits among football’s elite, with 15 Champions League crowns and endless resources, which often spells decline for talent.
Rodrygo calls Madrid his dream home, and with Alonso’s trust restored, jumping ship risks stalling his trajectory. Arsenal or Liverpool might tempt, but neither matches Madrid’s trophy haul or global pull.
Sticking put lets him build on this surge, potentially hitting 15+ goals in a title push. Patience has already revived him—why gamble now?
Why This Revival Sticks for Rodrygo
Alonso’s faith isn’t blind. Rodrygo’s recent displays—full games, goals, assists—mesh with the front-three’s demands, pulling defenders wide and enabling Bellingham’s surges. Madrid’s attack flows smoothly with him involved.
Vinicius’s dip post-Ballon d’Or snub amplifies Rodrygo’s role; backing the Brazilian shores up a forward line prone to isolation. At 24, with prime years ahead, he’s no flash in the pan—stats back his two-way threat, from dribbles won to distance covered. Alonso’s tweaks prove adaptive management, turning squad depth into title contention.
Expect Rodrygo to start games when Real Madrid resumes their campaign in 2026, as Alonso builds around his discipline and flair. Rodrygo’s journey from benchwarmer to linchpin reminds us why rash sales backfire at giants.
This isn’t hype; it’s a pattern. Past droughts yielded explosions—like his City heroics—and current metrics scream sustainability. For Madrid, he’s the glue; for Rodrygo, the stage to conquer. The revival feels real, rooted in tactics and grit, not fleeting luck.
