Real Madrid take on Valencia on Sunday night in La Liga, with two of their key players – Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham – unavailable through suspension and injury, respectively.
It opens the path for other players to put their hands up and stake a claim for a bigger role in the team, with Rodrygo Goes, for one, expected to be handed an opportunity.
Rodrygo highly motivated
And, according to MARCA, despite a lack of minutes in recent matches, Rodrygo is approaching the trip to Mestalla with high motivation, aiming to gain more prominence in the team.
The 25-year-old forward did not train on Thursday with the rest of his teammates and worked inside the facilities, casting doubts over his availability for the game.
However, as per the report, the Brazilian winger chose to stay in the gym, following an individual programme with the aim of pushing himself to reach his best physical condition.
Rodrygo, Real Madrid player
Focused. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The arrival of Alvaro Arbeloa on the Real Madrid bench has coincided with a difficult individual period for Rodrygo. He missed the first three matches under the new manager due to muscle issues and did not play any minutes against Villarreal.
Rodrygo saw some minutes in the Benfica game, where he was sent off late on, while he was once again a substitute vs Rayo Vallecano.
At Mestalla, with Vinicius absent, logic points to Rodrygo’s first start under Arbeloa, in his preferred position on the left flank, provided he is fit and available. The match presents itself as an opportunity for the Brazilian to reassert himself.
Rodrygo wants to become important again in a Real Madrid side where the right flank of the attack still does not have a clear owner, effectively doubling his chances. And he is is looking to use the visit to Valencia as a platform to build momentum.