Real Madrid forward justifies Xabi Alonso’s selection decision | OneFootball

On Tuesday night, when Real Madrid took on Olympique de Marseille in the UEFA Champions League, Xabi Alonso made a big call – benching Vinicius Jr. in favour of Rodrygo Goes.

It was the second time that the manager had made the selection decision, after having benched the Brazilian superstar for his compatriot against Real Oviedo in La Liga.

Rodrygo justifies Alonso’s decision

As highlighted by AS now, Rodrygo has vindicated Xabi Alonso’s plan for the left-wing position at Real Madrid, where there is genuine competition between him and Vinicius now.

Rodrygo appeared to have a step out the doors from Real Madrid during the summer, but the situation has flipped in recent weeks.

The Brazilian attacker made it clear in a recent interview that he never wanted to leave the club and is now embracing the challenge of earning his place back in the team.

Turning things around. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

And he is doing so from the left flank, his preferred position and the role he will occupy this season except in exceptional circumstances.

Against Marseille he did not manage to score, but he delivered a sharp performance: three shots, two on target, three chances created, and two successful dribbles from three attempts.

Rodrygo’s biggest contribution was winning the penalty that Mbappé converted for the 1-1 equaliser.

Speaking after the game, he said: “I am happy. It had been a long time since I played like this; little by little I am recovering from everything I went through. At the end of last season I had very tough moments. But now it is time to move forward.”

From being linked with a departure, to competing with Vinicius for a starting spot, Rodrygo is slowly turning his situation around. And, it is, in big part, thanks to Alonso’s decision of deploying him on the left flank – a position where he feels the most comfortable in.