Real Madrid winger feels happier under Xabi Alonso despite limited involvement | OneFootball

Rodrygo’s future was one of the major sagas that headlined the recent summer transfer window at Real Madrid with the player stuck in a conundrum of whether to stay and try his luck with a new manager or leave for guaranteed minutes.

Despite having several options on his table from the Premier League, the winger opted to stay in the end as he backed himself to earn Xabi Alonso’s trust.

With a significant part of the season past him now, it is safe to say that the Brazilian is not yet where he would like to be in terms of being a starter for Real Madrid but ESPN provide a positive update on his feelings.

A noticeable improvement

As relayed by the outlet, Rodrygo feels happier at the club than he was at the end of last season under Carlo Ancelotti.

After all, Alonso has understood his niche on the field and has been given chances where he can shine – on the left wing.

Happier compared to his situation at the end of last season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Under the former manager, Rodrygo was forced to feature as a right-winger given the lack of options at the manager’s disposal and thus struggled to prove his level despite having relatively regular minutes.

Now on the left wing, however, the player has finally settled in and feels positive about his situation despite seeing fewer minutes than he had at the start of last season.

Rodrygo’s sense of stability and his prioritisation of it over regular minutes in an alternative role only go on to show how much playing in the right position means to him, and it is safe to say that he will continue to give it his all to earn a place in the starting XI.

So far this season, the 24-year-old has started just one of Real Madrid’s games in La Liga and has featured on five occasions. In that duration, he has averaged 24 minutes per game but has yet to directly contribute to a goal.

But, the Brazilian impressed in his 20-minute cameo against Kairat Almaty in the UEFA Champions League, setting up a goal and generally impressing, staking a claim for a bigger role.