Real Madrid News
Clutch: Real Madrid starlet pulls through with nine goal contributions amid injury crisis
Life has been good for Rodrygo, who is writing a dramatic story within the season for Real Madrid.
The Brazilian was in underwhelming form heading into the season, and had scored one goal in 12 appearances in the league – that too on matchday one against Athletic Club. He had just the one assist to go with it, coming against Las Palmas during gameweek two.
Despite his form, though, he was an undisputed starter for Carlo Ancelotti this season, who wanted to fit him in the front-three alongside Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham.
Real Madrid, too, were happy with Rodrygo, and showed their appreciation in the form of a contract extension on 2nd November that was in the works for a few months. His salary was sufficiently improved, and a fresh €1 billion release clause was inserted in the new deal.
Rodrygo has made sure to come through for Real Madrid since then, proving that the club and manager were correct to trust him.
It’s raining goals
After signing the new deal on 2nd November, Real Madrid took on Rayo Vallecano which ended in a goalless draw. Rodrygo did not start the game, but was brought on in the 70th minute.
Unfortunately, that was too little time for him to make an impact, but the best was yet to come.
Rodrygo was on target against SC Braga in the Champions League, and also assisted Brahim Diaz for his goal.
Half a week later, Madrid hosted Valencia, and won 5-1. Daniel Carvajal opened the scoring, but it was all about Rodrygo from thereon. He assisted both of Vincius’ goals, and then added the fourth and fifth himself, ending the game with two goals and two assists.
Now, coming back from international break, with a knee discomfort, Rodrygo was not expected to start today against Cadiz. However, Brahim Diaz had to pull out of the starting lineup due to stomach problems, which means the Brazilian was forced to replace him.
It all worked out for Madrid, though, as Rodrygo was involved in all three goals in the 0-3 win, which all started with a stellar solo goal from him, taking it around four defenders and slotting it into the top right corner.
He scored another in the 64th minute, this time rounding off two defenders and smashing it into the net.
If this was not enough, he also set up Bellingham in the 74th minute as the Englishman found the bottom corner with a stellar finish.
Coming up clutch
Rodrygo came up clutch for Madrid multiple times during their Champions League run in 2021/22, scoring against Chelsea and Manchester City. He has pulled los blancos out of tricky situations multiple times, including now.
Madrid lost Vincius to injury during the international break, while Arda Guler has suffered from a relapse as well. With Bellingham also suffering, Rodrygo took over the burden and delivered brilliantly.
His nine goal contributions in the last four games, since signing the extension, have taken him to seven goals and five assists across La Liga and UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid are now top of the table, even if it is temporarily, and with Rodrygo in this kind of form, it will be difficult to pull them down.
Real Madrid’s performance against Real Betis was shambolic, to say the least as the team faced many of the problems that have haunted them over the past couple of years.
But on a night where most of the attackers struggled to create anything of note, Dean Huijsen emerged as a lone bright spark for Los Blancos.
Huijsen keeps his promise
As reported by MARCA, Huijsen was the standout performer for Real Madrid, marshalling the backline with real authority even as the team struggled around him.
There has been a noticeable shift in the young defender’s mentality this season, with the player showing more competitive nature and looking much fiercer.
This is an attitude Huijsen had always promised, having inherited the iconic number four shift from David Alaba, a number he associates with his idols Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro.
“What I do know is that I’ll give everything of myself every day, whether in training or in a game,” he vowed, and at La Cartuja he delivered on that word.
His primary task was neutralising Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, and he did so superbly, drying up the Colombian’s supply and repeatedly anticipating danger.
He also held his own in a niggly battle with Antony, refusing to be ruffled by one of Betis’ most inspired performers.
His composure on the ball, one of the qualities that has elevated him, saw him venture forward, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and later heading against the woodwork.
The Konate partnership grows
Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate did his job, albeit without matching his partner’s brilliance.
The Frenchman was a little less assured, both in and out of possession, reflecting the two speeds of the centre-back pairing.
Huijsen looks settled and increasingly commanding, while Konate is still building the sharpness needed to reach his best in white.
Nonetheless, the partnership is heading in the right direction, and in Huijsen, Real Madrid appear to have unearthed a genuine leader for an area that has long been a weakness.
Each performance is also an argument to Luis de la Fuente, as the defender looks to reclaim the Spain spot he lost before the World Cup.
