On Tuesday, just after Real Madrid’s last training session before the visit of Elche in La Liga, head coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke at the club’s training ground. With Vinicius Junior suspended, the Italian was asked who could play the role of ‘Vini’ on Thursday.

“Nobody. There isn’t another Vinicius and another player will play in that position, which is Rodrygo,” Ancelotti replied.

It was a simple answer but one that could also have been used when discussing the absence of Karim Benzema or Federico Valverde. Because Rodrygo, as those who know him best point out, has become “Ancelotti’s wild card” thanks to his versatility.

That is clear from Madrid’s most recent starting line-ups. Rodrygo has played three different positions in his side’s last four matches in La Liga: on the right against Real Sociedad, as a No 9 against Valencia and Real Mallorca, and on the left in Wednesday’s comfortable 4-0 win against Elche. The forward’s unpredictable movement regularly pulled apart Elche’s defence and created space for his team-mates, while he also won his side a penalty.

Coming through as a young player in Brazil, Rodrygo caught the attention of football lovers while playing on the left wing, where he played just under 70 per cent of his 80 games for boyhood club Santos, scoring nine goals and providing four assists. In contrast, less than 20 per cent of his appearances were through the middle, less than 10 per cent on the right and a small amount in midfield.

When Rodrygo arrived at Real Madrid in 2019 — he signed a year earlier but had to wait to join because he was underage — he found himself faced with record signing Eden Hazard and an up-and-coming Vinicius Jr on the left wing. The chances of making a name for himself there seemed slim.

The Brazilian was moved to the right flank as a result, where he proved his worth as one of Europe’s most talented young players. According to Transfermarkt, he has played just under 70 per cent of his games there for Real Madrid, scoring 19 goals and providing 22 assists (including penalties won).

But Rodrygo still thrives on the left. Just under 20 per cent of his Real Madrid appearances have come there, resulting in four goals and six assists. And that is where he stood out against Elche. Madrid concentrated 40.84 per cent of their attacks down Rodrygo’s side, compared to 30.39 per cent on the right with Marco Asensio and 28.77 per cent through the middle.

Apart from the penalty he won, Rodrygo produced four shots on target and led the team in key passes (five) and fouls received (three). While he lost the ball 10 times, he completed five dribbles and had a 96.7 per cent accuracy rate with his 61 passes — 52 of which were in Elche’s half.

He also emulated Vinicius Jr by touching the ball 15 times in Elche’s box — the joint-most for Madrid along with Benzema. Only Vinicius Jr has had as many touches in the opposition box in a La Liga game for Madrid this season, with 18 against Almeria on the opening day.

Interestingly, however, neither of those are Rodrygo’s preferred position. Just 8.08 per cent of his appearances at Madrid have been as a striker, where he has provided five goals and an assist — while 1.47 per cent have come while playing behind a No 9.

That last number is significant because it is Rodrygo’s preferred position — even if it does not exist in the present system at Madrid. That’s where, if given the choice by Ancelotti, Rodrygo would play every time.

Rodrygo’s clever movement pulled apart Elche’s defence and won Real Madrid a penalty (Photo: Angel Martinez/Getty Images).

“Rodrygo is more used to playing on the left, he can play on the right and behind the centre forward — he is a complete player,” Ancelotti said after the win against Elche. “He is forceful, but not like Vinicius in one-on-one play. The good thing is that we have both of them.”

That ability to play in multiple positions appeals to Ancelotti — Rodrygo is the sixth-most used player in the Italian’s squad with 2,161 minutes played this season. But few are as ambitious as the man they call ‘El Rayo’ — the lightning bolt — and he is not satisfied. He believes his 10 goals this season (he is the team’s fourth-top scorer) and seven assists (the joint-most along with Vinicius Jr) are enough to warrant a regular starting place.

That is why he reacted angrily when he was replaced at Villarreal’s stadium during Madrid’s 3-2 win in the Copa del Rey round of 16 last month. Rodrygo did not acknowledge Ancelotti as he made his way to the bench — a sign of frustration after not being able to contribute to his side’s comeback and being substituted again. Ancelotti scolded him in public but did not place too much importance on the incident because he holds Rodrygo in very high esteem and understands his players to perfection.

Behind that frustration, he has put in a lot of work without much reward so far. Rodrygo is hugely dedicated, regularly carrying out extra sessions at his home gym along with his personal trainer Marcel Duarte, who is responsible for his marked physical improvement since he first joined Madrid. He previously worked with Joel Jota, a high-performance coach renowned in Brazil for his work on athletes’ mentality, and also employs a chef who helps him follow a specially devised diet to enhance his physique and prevent injuries.

Rodrygo (right) is close with fellow Brazilians Vinicius Jr (left) and Eder Militao at Real Madrid (Photo: Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images).

The Brazilian has everything in place to help him perform on the pitch and is surrounded by his family in Madrid. Rodrygo lives with his father, who is his greatest advisor and who manages his career after he parted ways with his long-time agent — although sources who preferred to remain anonymous to protect their position told The Athletic the pair are still contractually linked. His mother, younger sister and two friends provide further support.

Rodrygo often spends time with them or with his fellow Brazilians at Madrid — Vinicius Jr and Eder Militao — and their friends. Outside of training, he keeps himself entertained by playing the cavaquinho, a Portuguese string instrument similar to the guitar, poker, PlayStation and basketball — his favourite sport after football.

Rodrygo feels at ease with the club and the city. That is why it was not difficult for the club to renew his contract until 2028 last July. Sources who preferred to remain anonymous to protect their position told The Athletic that Rodrygo’s new deal came with a salary increase and meant he joined a group of players with a release clause of €1billion (£888m; $1.1bn).

He also enjoys a great connection with the fans. During the second half of the win against Elche, he produced a fine piece of skill to leave midfielder Fidel in his wake, leading to a spontaneous “Ole!” from the crowd. Rodrygo is enjoying his football — and the only way is up as he targets a regular starting spot.

(Top photo: Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Source: theathletic.com