Real Madrid News
Doubts grow around exit-linked Real Madrid star after anonymous Club World Cup display
Rodrygo’s place at Real Madrid is no longer as secure as it once seemed. Despite early talk of a promising relationship with new manager Xabi Alonso, the Brazilian forward’s recent performance against Al-Hilal could reignite talks of a potential exit.
The 24-year-old, who is a subject of interest for Arsenal, ended last season on a disappointing note under Carlo Ancelotti, and things haven’t improved much since.
Rodrygo missed several games due to ongoing physical issues, making him unavailable for both Real Madrid and Brazil’s international fixtures.
His return came in the Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal, where he started on the right wing alongside Gonzalo Garcia and Vinícius Jr. in attack, but failed to make any real impact.
Disappointing numbers and mounting pressure
Rodrygo’s performance against Al-Hilal raised eyebrows. In the 65 minutes he was on the pitch, he failed to register a single shot on target, could not complete any of his four attempted dribbles, and created just one meaningful chance, his assist for Gonzalo’s goal.
That assist aside, his overall influence was minimal. He was eventually replaced by Brahim Díaz with 25 minutes still left to play, which could be a sign of Alonso’s dissatisfaction.
For a player who once seemed destined to be a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s attack, the drop-off has been steep.
Now, with rising star Franco Mastantuono also set to arrive after the competition in the United States, Rodrygo’s position in the starting XI is under direct threat.
While he is expected to start in the upcoming matches against Pachuca and Salzburg, these fixtures could serve as a final test to prove he still belongs among the club’s top-tier attackers.
If Rodrygo does not step up soon, he may find himself sliding further down the pecking order, a dangerous prospect at a club where competition never sleeps. The next few games could define his future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
Jon Grey
June 22, 2025 at 12:43 am
True, Rodrygo is becoming a shadow of his former self, but so do Vinicius too. If I were Florentino, Vinicius will be sold to the Saudis immediately. It is clear to most Madrid fans who watch Madrid games, that Vini has become a serious liability,despite his still imagined ‘star profile’ at Madrid.