Real Madrid News
Real Madrid youngster names Federico Valverde as his ‘reference player’
Alvaro Rodriguez is one of Real Madrid Castilla’s brightest prospects in attack, and his talent has not gone unnoticed by Carlo Ancelotti. The young forward had the biggest night of his career so far when he debuted for the first team in the Copa del Rey against Cacereno and could well have a long career at the Bernabeu.
Earlier this week, Rodriguez was asked about his role model in football. As revealed by MARCA, he named Real Madrid star Federico Valverde as the player that inspired him the most.
”My main reference is Fede Valverde, his path is the one I want to take.”
The Castilla striker’s choice is not surprising, considering that he represents Uruguay on the national stage. Valverde is the latest on the long list of South Americans to make it big at Real Madrid, and thus the perfect idol.
Rodriguez is clearly not satisfied with his ceremonial debut and wishes to be a bigger part of Ancelotti’s plans in the seasons to come. When he spoke to the media after his debut in the cup, he reiterated the same point and showed that he had the hunger to succeed at the cub.
“Now I am going to continue making an effort with my team, which is Castilla, and hopefully there will be more opportunities like this for which I work every day.”
The 18-year-old has scored five goals in 15 games for the Real Madrid youth outfit in 2022-23. Overall, he has played 32 games for the Castilla so far and has nine goals and four assists to his name.
He is also a regular in the Uruguay U-20 setup and has four goal contributions in two games so far in the U-20 South American Championship.
In a positive update, Real Madrid defender David Alaba is set to return from his injury by making an appearance for the Austrian national team against Estonia later tonight, confirms Sergio Quirante.
Alaba has been out of action for over a month now, after picking up an injury during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Austrian international had been making progress in training at the club but was not ready in time for the Clasico against Barcelona on March 19.
Despite the injury, Alaba travelled to join the Austrian national team during the current international break.
And, according to the report from Sergio Quirante, the Real Madrid ace has good feelings after training with his national team. Having had several sessions under his belt now, the versatile defender is all set to make his return later tonight.
Austria will face off against Estonia in their second UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers Group F encounter later tonight and Alaba is in line to get some minutes against the minnows.
What remains to be seen is whether manager Ralf Rangnick opts to start the former Bayern Munich superstar on the night or introduces him as a substitute in the latter stages of the game.
Alaba’s imminent return will be good news for Real Madrid, who have a series of important matches coming up after the international break as they look to salvage their season.
Following the loss to Barcelona earlier this month, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now 12 points off the top of the table in La Liga and are pretty much out of the equation to retain the title. They are also training the Catalans 1-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-finals while Chelsea await in the Champions League quarter-finals.
