Real Madrid News
Stat attack: Brazilian duo Vinicius and Rodrygo leading Real Madrid’s title defence
Real Madrid are off to a dream start to the new season. They have registered five back-to-back wins in La Liga, which puts them at the top of the league table with 15 points on the board, two ahead of arch-rivals Barcelona.
Two protagonists of their successful start to the season have been Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes. The Brazilian duo has performed spectacularly, helping Real Madrid remain on par with Barça.
Rodrygo and Vinicius have combined for a total of six goals, with the latter being the joint top-goalscorer for the club this season. But here at Madrid Universal, we will dig a little deeper into the overall statistics of these two players and gain a perspective of their contributions in the final third in these early parts of the campaign.
Rodrygo, for one, is leading the league in terms of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, with an astonishing tally of 8.02. Vinicius is not far behind, having averaged more than five shot-creating actions per 90 so far this season.
Their collective shot-creating actions tally is 13.20 is higher than the collective total of Cadiz and Getafe. Even Real Sociedad’s tally of 13.40 SCA90 is narrowly higher than the two.
Meanwhile, Vinicius is third only to Alex Berenguer and teammate Benzema, in terms of shots attempted in the league so far. Vinicius also averages 1.60 shots on target per 90 while Rodrygo has a higher tally of 1.78. Both of them are in the top ten in the league, in the corresponding metric.
Another metric that portrays the sheer dominance the two have had in the league so far is the dribbling and possession data that suggests Vinicius is the most successful dribbler in the league, with 15 completed dribbles. He has also registered 253 carries, which is the fourth highest in the league.
Rodrygo may not lead the league in this regard, but his tally of 1.78 completed dribbles per game is considerably higher than the league average.
However, apart from scoring goals, creating chances or making life difficult for the opposition, these two have also worked hard defensively for their team. Both of them, after all, average more than 17 pressure per 90, which is considered quite healthy for explosive wingers such as these two.
These statistics are coupled with an excellent conversion rate and a healthy understanding with their teammates, making Vinicius and Rodrygo the beating heart of the Real Madrid attack that has shown a lot of promise in these early parts of the campaign.
Stat courtesy: FBRef
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
