Real Madrid News
Real Madrid starlet practically promoted to the first team after recent exploits – report
Alvaro Rodriguez might have made only a few appearances for Real Madrid, but it seems like the 18-year-old has already made a major impression on the coaching staff.
Indeed, according to AS, Rodriguez, who is registered with the Real Madrid Castilla outfit, is practically a first-team player from now on for the rest of the season and will only return to play for Raul Gonzalez’s reserves only at specific moments.
This development comes after Rodriguez made a big impact after coming on as a substitute in the derby against Atletico Madrid this past weekend.
With the Merengues trailing against the ten-man Colchoneros’, the teenage striker came up with the equaliser with a thumping header late in the game.
A week before that Rodriguez had shone brightly in a cameo against Osasuna as he assisted Marco Asensio’s goal.
Speaking after the derby, manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the Uruguay youth international will be a first-team member from the next season.
Real Madrid have already planned to register him as a senior squad member with La Liga from the next campaign.
However, while the official promotion to the first team will have to wait until the summer, Rodriguez is now a part of the senior setup for all intents and purposes.
Given that Karim Benzema has had fitness issues this season, it makes sense for Ancelotti & co. to rely more on the 18-year-old, who, in just three appearances, has shown that he can make a difference at the highest level.
Rodriguez has been on the books at Real Madrid for a little under three years. He signed a new contract last year, prolonging his stay at the Spanish capital club until 2027.
And, he is now set for greater involvement in the first team for the remainder of the 2022/23 season before being officially promoted next term.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
