Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s 19-year-old striker wanted by several European clubs this summer – report
Real Madrid’s 19-year-old striker, Alvaro Rodriguez made his senior team debut in February this year and now with Karim Benzema gone, it is said that manager Carlo Ancelotti is counting on him for the 2023-24 season.
The 2004-born forward has progressed through different age groups at the club and his development certainly has not gone unnoticed, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that several teams have expressed their interest in the acquisition of the youngster.
Quite particularly, Serie A side Udinese have long been following the 19-year-old and as part of their summer transfer movement, Rodriguez happens to be on their agenda. Furthermore, the likes of Getafe and Benfica have also kept a keen eye on the forward.
The interest certainly does not end there, as in Germany, Bayer Leverkusen have been credited with interest.
Regardless of the evident demand, though, Real Madrid have no interest in parting ways with the youngster simply because the manager has him in his plans for the next season.
Rodriguez arrived on the bigger stage in February this year, making his senior team debut in a 2-0 win over Osasuna. In the same month, he scored his first goal in a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid and he went on to make eight outings during the course of the season.
“For next season he will be in the first team squad because he has the quality that few others have. For his age, he is tall, powerful, and a formidable header,” said Ancelotti after his first goal against the local rivals.
Real Madrid are set to part ways with several young players this summer such as Rafa Marin, Sergio Arribas, and Carlos Dotor. However, Alvaro Rodriguez is unlikely to be sold this summer, with the teenager expected to play a part in Ancelotti’s plans.
Rodriguez has largely been used as a centre-forward during his brief career, but his versatility allows him to occupy wide areas too. Given the lack of depth in the No. 9 position, however, one can expect Ancelotti to use him in that position next season.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
