Real Madrid

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal said he does not doubt Gareth Bale's commitment to the club following his call-up to the Wales national team.

Bale is set to feature for the Welsh in their UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers having not played for Real since before the previous international break.

Carvajal told Radio Marca:

"He was discharged medically this week. He's gone with his country now, but that doesn't mean that he's not focused on us.

"I have no doubts about his commitment, and I hope he won't get injured again and he can return with us."

The Spanish Football Podcast shared further comments from Carvajal on Bale to El Transistor:

"He's quite an introverted guy. We sit close to each other on the plane, in the same row, and in the dressing room too. He's shy but he does ask you things. We also play on the same side so we have to communicate a lot."

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) November 13, 2019

"He's had a really successful career, it's not for me give him advice... He's old enough to take his own decisions and know the consequences. He has to think about helping the team, he's doing that and he'll keep doing that"

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) November 13, 2019

Bale suffered a calf injury while playing for Wales against Croatia in October.

The issue kept him out of six matches for Real Madrid between the two international breaks, four in La Liga and two in the UEFA Champions League.

SB Nation's Lucas Navarrete suggested the club would not look kindly on Bale then turning out for Wales again in the coming weeks:

Bale has basically missed an entire month of Real Madrid games as crucial as Mallorca, Galatasaray or Betis. His last time on a football pitch was on October 13th when Wales faced Croatia.

If he plays for Wales before coming back for RM, the club has every reason to be angry.

— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) November 5, 2019

It's unfortunate timing where Los Blancos are concerned, but given he's now recovered, Wales can hardly be expected not to call upon him given he's a key player.

That is especially the case as Wales head into their final two qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Hungary needing a minimum of four points to progress to the tournament, though they'll still be relying on other results even if they collect all six available.

Wales team-mate Ben Davies has praised Bale's commitment to the national side:

'If he's coming from Real Madrid and is willing to put his body on the line to play for this team, then everybody can do it.'

Ben Davies praises Gareth Bale's commitment to Wales.

Watch Wales' European Qualifier in Azerbaijan on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Football from 4.15pm pic.twitter.com/VOgfZxfAek

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 13, 2019

After the international break, Real have four matches in La Liga—against Real Sociedad, Alaves, Espanyol and Valencia—in their run-up to December's Clasico with Barcelona.

In the Champions League, they'll hope to avenge a 3-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain when they visit the Santiago Bernabeu, and Madrid will also face Club Brugge.

If Bale is able to make some decisive contributions in those games, any anger over his recent inability to feature will likely be quickly forgotten.  

Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez has said that when he has met Real Madrid rival Gareth Bale in the past the pair have spoken in Spanish.

The Welshman has garnered a reputation in Madrid for failing to integrate well into Spanish society, including not learning the language.

In an interview earlier this year, Real defender Marcelo said that, six years on from his move to the Santiago Bernabeu, Bale still did not speak any Spanish and was hard to communicate with in the dressing room. 

Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois described Bale's refusal to join a team dinner because it was too late in the evening, per HLN (h/t Sky Sports).

But Spaniard Niguez has now said when he has met Bale, they have talked in Spanish, per Cadena Ser (h/t Marca):

"Bale and I sometimes meet when we went to see our agents. He surprised me a lot, a super nice guy, we spoke...in Spanish."

Bale, 30, has been incredibly successful since moving to Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur for a then-world-record fee of £85 million in 2013.

He has won four UEFA Champions Leagues, scoring crucial goals in three of the finals he has played in, a La Liga title and numerous other trophies, and his goalscoring record is impeccable:

Gareth Bale's Real Madrid career by numbers:

⚪️ 231 games
⚪️ 102 goals
⚪️ 64 assists
⚪️ 13 trophies

This could be the end. pic.twitter.com/cnarMRUTDo

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 19, 2019

However, he has never been a fan favourite at the Bernabeu and has often been inexplicably out of favour, including with current manager Zinedine Zidane:

Said this before (and, yes, there’s more to it than this) but there’s something absurd about the way the key accusations against Bale are framed: essentially accused of going to bed early, not being good at Spanish and playing golf. Hardly the most heinous crimes.

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) July 21, 2019

Must have missed something because as far as I can see Gareth Bale has been a magnificent player for Real Madrid, won them Champions League Finals & year is treated with total disrespect by current coach & unloved by fans. Totally undeserved & lacking in grace.

— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) July 21, 2019

The Frenchman said in the summer that he expected Bale to leave the club:

Zinedine Zidane confirms Real Madrid are looking to sell Gareth Bale. pic.twitter.com/ZnTR3Q3RTm

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 21, 2019

A deal for Bale to move to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning was subsequently blocked by the Real board, though, because they wanted a transfer fee.

He started 2019-20 in decent fashion, scoring two goals and providing two assists in six La Liga appearances before picking up an injury that has kept him out of action since early October.   

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has hinted he would be open to a move to Italy in the future. 

The Croatian's Real contract expires at the end of the the 2019-20 campaign, meaning the Ballon d'Or holder could call time on his Madrid career after eight years next summer.

Speaking to Sky Italia (h/t Michael Plant of Goal), Modric said he is committed to Real at the moment, but he talked up the idea of a potential move to Italy:

"I like Italy, it's close to Croatia. I watch Serie A because I have many national team-mates playing there. Then the Italians are fantastic and have a mentality similar to us Croats. We'll see if one day I can play in Italy, I can't talk about this because I'm a Real Madrid player, I like being in Real and for now I see my future only there."

Modric was strongly linked to Inter Milan during 2018.

Back in the summer, Miguel Delaney of The Independent reported Real could use the former Tottenham Hotspur man in a deal to sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.

But Modric stayed put at the Santiago Bernabeu, and after a below-par 2018-19, he hasn't been able to get a consistent run of games. He is no longer an indispensable part of Zinedine Zidane's first team, either.

Fitness problems have played a role in Modric being restricted to just three La Liga starts so far this term, but so has the emerging importance of 21-year-old Federico Valverde:

Aaaaaaand here's a bit of a hot take:

It's time for Modric to become a key player OFF THE BENCH. Real Madrid need Valverde's presence in the midfield.

— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) November 7, 2019

It is no surprise Modric can no longer play week in, week out, given he recently turned 34.

If he signs a new deal at Real, he will still have a key role to play given his immense experience and intelligence on the ball.

But if he is to stay at Real, Modric may have to accept a more limited starting role in the side.

If he wants to remain a regular, he may have to look elsewhere, and Italy is clearly of interest to the four-time UEFA Champions League winner. 

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo Goes has said he does not want the burden of replacing Cristiano Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

The 18-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to his career at the club following his arrival in the summer.

However, he does not consider himself a replacement for Ronaldo, whom he would have liked to play alongside, per Goal's Daniel Lewis:

"Being able to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid was a dream of mine, and it's a shame that he left because now I think it would be very difficult to play with him.

"I am still a very young player to talk about filling the place left by someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, who is one of the greatest players in the history of the club—if not the greatest.

"I don't want to weigh myself down with the pressure of replacing Cristiano Ronaldo."

Ronaldo left the Spanish giants for Juventus last year, having contributed an astonishing 450 goals in nine seasons at the club.

Rodrygo, who joined from Santos in a €45 million transfer in the summer, has made just six senior appearances for the club. He's scored five goals in that time, though.

The Brazilian made a splash on his La Liga debut when he came off the bench to help Real record a 2-0 win over Osasuna in September:

1 - Rodrygo Goes is the fastest player to score his first LaLiga goal for Real Madrid (93 seconds) since Ronaldo Nazário in 2002 (62). Impact. pic.twitter.com/EknwWdo0oi

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 25, 2019

He found the net again in a 5-0 win over Leganes, but the performance that garnered the most attention was his star turn in a 6-0 UEFA Champions League victory against Galatasaray.

The teenager netted a perfect hat-trick as well as providing an assist for Karim Benzema (U.S. and UK only, respectively):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1192199601606057985

⚽️ 4' Left foot
⚽️ 7' Head
⚽️ 90+1' Right foot

Rodrygo became the youngest player to score a perfect hat-trick in the Champions League and only the third to score a hat-trick at 18.

Unbelievable prospect. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mv5GPBKdtO

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 7, 2019

After the game, manager Zinedine Zidane was quick to stress he does not want to put too much pressure on the youngster:

What a night it was for Rodrygo 👏

Zinedine Zidane doesn't want to put too much pressure on him, though... pic.twitter.com/WbIDcNqlww

— GOAL (@goal) November 7, 2019

It's clear Rodrygo possesses plenty of talent, but replacing Ronaldo and his goal output is virtually impossible for almost any player, let alone one so young and inexperienced at the top level.

Young players often go through peaks and troughs. Rodrygo's compatriot, Vinicius Jr., was one of Los Blancos' brightest sparks last season, but he has struggled to have the same impact in this campaign.

Once in a generation you'll find a player like Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, who was a superstar before he hit 20, but for the vast majority of younger players it's important not to expect too much from them too soon.

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo Goes is delighted with his start to life at the club and hopes to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu long term. 

The 18-year-old arrived in the summer in a €45 million move from Santos.

Per AS' Fernando Kallas, Rodrygo said:

"I'm really happy with the way I've started at Real Madrid. It couldn't have gone better. Everything has gone really well.

"Things have moved even quicker than I expected, and hopefully I can continue in this vein.

"I haven't really had much adapting to do, because the Brazilians who were already here have given me all the support you need when you go to another country. 

"And Madrid...I love Madrid! The climate, the way of life...it reminds me a bit of Sao Paulo. If I can, I'll stay here for good."

The winger has made six first-team appearances for Los Blancos, starting four of them and playing a total of 370 minutes. He has offered an impressive return of five goals and one assist in that time.

Three of those goals and the assist came in Real's 6-0 UEFA Champions League win over Galatasaray.

Rodrygo angled a low effort into the bottom corner to give Madrid the lead after four minutes, and three minutes later he headed home a second.

He then picked out Karim Benzema for the first of his two goals on the night before rounding out the scoring in added time when Benzema returned the favour (U.S. and UK only, respectively):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1192199601606057985

⚽️ 4' Left foot
⚽️ 7' Head
⚽️ 90+1' Right foot

Rodrygo became the youngest player to score a perfect hat-trick in the Champions League and only the third to score a hat-trick at 18.

Unbelievable prospect. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mv5GPBKdtO

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 7, 2019

His efforts earned him a spot in the history books:

—Youngest Brazilian to score in the Champions League
—Fastest brace in #UCL history
—Second-youngest player to hit a UCL hat-trick after Raul

Rodrygo wins #UCL Player of the Week 🌟 pic.twitter.com/hfwTzlxBkA

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 8, 2019

The youngster was an unused substitute in Real's 4-0 win at Eibar on Saturday, but Tom Allnutt of the Agence France-Presse thinks he could form a potent attacking lineup alongside Benzema and Eden Hazard:

Hazard and Benzema have a really good connection. Add Rodrygo's pace and unpredictability and Madrid have the makings of an exciting front 3.

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) November 9, 2019

Rodrygo's form has earned him his first call-up to Brazil's senior side, and he could make his debut against Argentina on Friday or South Korea next Tuesday.

Typically, there's a great deal of competition for attacking places with the Selecao, Neymar and David Neres aren't in the squad due to injury, while Everton has remained with Gremio to help them at a key time in their campaign.

As such, it would come as little surprise if Rodrygo gets on the pitch at some point if not handed a start by manager Tite.

It's still early in his Real Madrid career and his development, but he'll be a valuable asset for club and country if he can build on his exciting start.

Thibaut Courtois has said he always believed his form and reputation would recover after a difficult opening spell at Real Madrid. 

The Belgium international arrived from Chelsea on transfer deadline day during the summer of 2018 and struggled with his performances and consistency throughout his first Los Blancos campaign.

However, the stopper has weathered the storm in the capital and has grown in stature under Zinedine Zidane.

According to Billy Munday of Marca, Courtois said he never lost faith in his ability after claiming another clean sheet during Saturday's 4-0 La Liga win at Eibar:

"It's good for the whole team. It's not just the goalkeeper's work but the work of the whole team.

"We have to defend together and attack together. It's very difficult to score against us.

"I always remained calm, I know what I'm worth. A goalkeeper of my level expects to stop more. I felt good and the sun always rises and I never lost confidence."

Courtois came under scrutiny as Madrid crashed out of the UEFA Champions League last term, with their La Liga challenge stalling early.

Los Blancos finished the campaign 19 points behind champions Barcelona in third. Real conceded 46 goals in their 38 league games, giving them little chance against the Blaugrana's consistency.

Zidane's men are in better shape this season. They are level on points with Barca at the top of the division and have conceded only nine goals in the opening 12 games.

Courtois has provided a major contribution to Real's improving form, and the two-time Premier League winner has earned five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. Los Blancos have scored 16 goals during this spell.

The race for the La Liga title remains wide open this season. If Real can maintain a mean streak at the back and continue to find the back of the net at the opposite end, they could end Barca's La Liga dominance after back-to-back championships.

Real Madrid got back in the La Liga win column on Saturday, easily beating Eibar 4-0 on the road. Karim Benzema bagged a brace, while Sergio Ramos and Federico Valverde also scored to take their side top of the league. 

Zinedine Zidane's side played one of their best matches of the season, scoring three goals in the first 30 minutes. The defence and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois did the rest, continuing their stellar play:

Thibaut Courtois has set the record for the most consecutive minutes without allowing a goal as a Real Madrid keeper.

It's good to see him at his best.https://t.co/vAfOW2AsGk

— The Real Champs (@TheRealChampsFS) November 9, 2019

Los Blancos beat Galatasaray 6-0 in the UEFA Champions League in midweek but had struggled in La Liga coming into Saturday's match, with just one win in their last three tries.

Los Blancos carried on where they left off in midweek, getting forward early and often.

Benzema hit the post from an offside position just minutes into the contest, while Eden Hazard was a menace down the left wing.

Marko Dmitrovic had to make a great save to keep out Benzema after 10 minutes, but he was helpless seven minutes later when the ball fell kindly to Valverde, who calmly played in Benzema for the opener.

The 31-year-old former Lyon star is still playing at a high level, per sports writer Kiyan Sobhani:

Benzema's been everywhere. So many good touches and off-ball runs. I swear at the age of 31, it's like he's getting better.

— Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) November 9, 2019

A second goal followed just three minutes later, this time from the penalty spot. Hazard was tripped inside the box at the end of one of his weaving runs, and captain Ramos sent Dmitrovic the wrong way.

Ramos: good at penalties

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) November 9, 2019

Hazard wanted another penalty just minutes later after contact with the goalkeeper but was denied. However, the referee did award a second penalty shortly before the half-hour mark, and this time it was Benzema who slotted it home.

Hazard continued to dazzle on the left wing, with one passage of play standing out, per AS' Robbie Dunne:

Hazard’s best 15 seconds in a Madrid Jersey. A nutmeg back heel, skips by a defender and rabonas a decent cross into the box. That was very good.

— Robbie Dunne (@robbiejdunne) November 9, 2019

Eibar created almost no danger in the first half, although Courtois seemed relieved when a dangerous cross towards Takashi Inui was missed by everyone and narrowly went wide.

The second half delivered more of the same for Real, though, with Hazard's dribbling ability making for a nightmare day for the defenders.

Casemiro spent some time on the sidelines with a knock that appeared serious, but the Brazilian was able to continue eventually. His midfield partner Valverde got the fourth goal minutes after he came back on, taking a wonderful pass from Luka Modric and slotting the ball home.

Just like Madrid's opening goal this was both Modric and Valverde up in the Eibar box joining in the attack. Not something which was often happening over last 18 months.

— Covering Futbol (@coveringfutbol) November 9, 2019

Eibar increased the pressure in search of a consolation goal, while Real brought on Isco and Vinicius Jr., but Real saw out the final 20 minutes to secure the three points.

   

What's Next?

Real will host surging Real Sociedad on November 23 after the international break. Eibar will face Deportivo Alaves on the following day.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has ruled Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez out of Los Blancos' La Liga clash with Eibar on Saturday.

The Frenchman told reporters that neither player is injured and have been in training, but they are not available for selection:

"They aren't injured, but they're not available to play. They're going to join up with their national teams, then they have five or six days and we'll see if they're ready to play for their countries or not. They're not injured, they're out on the [training] pitch. They're still not training with the group, though, so they're unable to play tomorrow. I don't decide [whether they're able to train with the squad], they do. They're still not ready."

Bale has not featured for Real Madrid since their 4-2 win over Granada before the last international break in October.

However, he has been called into the Wales squad for UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Hungary:

❗️CYHOEDDIAD CARFAN | SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT❗️

Here’s your Cymru squad for our final @UEFAEURO qualifying matches against Azerbaijan and Hungary later this month 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

🎟👉 https://t.co/z7wY8kuZ7M #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/F4EsaFYY2w

— Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) November 5, 2019

James has missed Real Madrid's last three games but has also been called up by his national team. Colombia play friendlies against Peru and Ecuador in the United States.

Sports correspondent Tom Allnutt expects both players to feature for their national teams over the international break:

Zidane irritated by questions about Bale and James and the idea they will be fit to play for their countries but not Real Madrid. He says they're not injured but not match fit either. Seems fairly inevitable they will be deemed match fit next week for Wales and Colombia...

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) November 8, 2019

Both players appear to have uncertain futures at the Santiago Bernabeu. Bale was close to a move to the Chinese Super League in the summer and is keen to leave in January, according to Cadena SER (h/t Perform, via AS).

Zidane has said he wants Bale to stay until the end of the season:

"I want Gareth to stay here until the end of the season"

Will Bale leave @realmadriden in January?

Not if Zidane gets his way

👇https://t.co/aFWmvjEVyq pic.twitter.com/bwjl8oD9h9

— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) November 5, 2019

Meanwhile, James returned to Real Madrid in the summer after two seasons on loan at Bayern Munich, but he continues to be linked with an exit from the Spanish giants. President Florentino Perez is willing to offload the Colombian in January, according to El Desmarque (h/t Metro).

Real Madrid have coped well without both players in recent games. They have won three of their last four matches and head into Saturday's fixture after thrashing Galatasaray 6-0 in the UEFA Champions League.

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos said it would be "inconvenient" for Los Blancos if Gareth Bale plays for Wales during the upcoming international break.

Bales suffered a calf injury while playing for Wales in October, and he has not featured for Real Madrid since.

Speaking to Real Total's Filip Knopp after Bale was called up for the November international break, Kroos said (h/t Goal's Chris Burton):

"Yes, it seems inconvenient to return from your national team, not playing with your club and then be in the right condition again when you have to return to the national team.

"The moment may not be the best. I hope he will be fine again when he returns [from international duty].

"I am convinced that we will still need his quality in many matches."

Bale has missed Real's past five matches, three in La Liga and two in the UEFA Champions League. He's set to sit out Los Blancos' trip to Eibar on Saturday, their last match until November 23.

Tom Allnutt of the AFP offered a recent update on the winger's fitness:

Bale did some ball work today I'm pretty sure for the first time since his injury. Still training alone but getting better. Not for Eibar but maybe just in time for Wales.

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) November 7, 2019

SB Nation's Lucas Navarrete suggested the Spanish giants would be understandably unhappy with Bale if he does feature for his national side:

Bale has basically missed an entire month of Real Madrid games as crucial as Mallorca, Galatasaray or Betis. His last time on a football pitch was on October 13th when Wales faced Croatia.

If he plays for Wales before coming back for RM, the club has every reason to be angry.

— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) November 5, 2019

Manager Zinedine Zidane did not seem put out by his call-up, though:

Zidane: "It doesn't bother me, the first one to suffer is the player. He wants to be involved and if he isn't ready to play for Wales he won't play.

"They have the right to pick him and we'll see how he his this week and what happens. The point is right now he isn't ready."

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) November 5, 2019

Bale is Wales' best player, so while it's not ideal after he's been on the sidelines for a month, his inclusion in the setup for their qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Hungary comes as little surprise.

Ryan Giggs' side are fourth in Group E on eight points, four points behind second-place Hungary with a game in hand. Slovakia, who occupy third place with 10 points, play group leaders Croatia before taking on Azerbaijan themselves.

Two wins won't guarantee Wales' qualification, but they will maximise their chances of progressing. However, that will be difficult without Bale in their ranks. It's not ideal for his situation at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the 30-year-old needs to play if he's available.

Bale may not be at Real too much longer anyway, with links to the Chinese Super League resurfacing after he came close to a move there in the summer.

Kroos was unable to offer insight into his team-mate's future, though:

"I do not know what will happen. He was about to leave in the summer.

"After something like that, it is not so easy to get back to normal, but I get the impression that he is very motivated.

"What will have bothered him most is to have returned from the national team with an injury."

La Liga President Javier Tebas gave his take on the situation recently:

Is it time for Bale to farewell Spain? 👋 pic.twitter.com/KvPo2Jb0ex

— GOAL (@goal) November 8, 2019

Bale seems to have little relationship with Zidane, who said in the summer his imminent exit would be best for everyone, though he recently rejected the possibility of Bale leaving in January.

The winger will still have two years remaining on his contract in the Spanish capital come the end of the season, and it may be easier to find a suitor for him in the summer transfer window.

Real will be able to make use of him until then, provided he's able to stay fit when he finally returns to club action.

Liverpool made an offer to sign Rodrygo Goes from Santos before Real Madrid came in with their bid, according to Elano, the former interim manager of the Brazilian club.  

Rodrygo, 18, announced himself on the European stage on Wednesday when he netted a hat-trick for Real in their 6-0 UEFA Champions League victory against Galatasaray at the Santiago Bernabeu:

18 years, 301 days. Youngest player ever to score a perfect UCL hat-trick.

All in a day’s work. pic.twitter.com/DeVRDKIXGZ

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 6, 2019

It was only his second appearance in the competition following his arrival at Real in June, a year on from Los Blancos reaching an agreement to sign him from Santos for £40 million.

According to former Manchester City player Elano, who was caretaker manager at Santos when Rodrygo was first called up to the senior team, Liverpool were also interested in the young attacker, per ESPN (h/t Marca):

"There was strong interest from Liverpool for the kid when he was in the youth teams, and they wanted him, but the offer was low. Then the offer arrived from Real Madrid. I had a chat with the club, and I told them the kid was worth gambling on and that I would like to work with him."

Rodrygo, who has represented Brazil at youth level, recently said he had not expected as much first-team action as he has had so far this season under manager Zinedine Zidane. 

As well as his two Champions League appearances, he has played in four of Real's 11 La Liga games this term, netting two goals:

2 - Rodrygo Goes has scored two goals from his first three shots in @LaLigaEN, while Vinícius Júnior needed 24 shots to score his first two goals for Real Madrid in the competition. Impact. pic.twitter.com/4AycjNRTOS

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 30, 2019

Had he ended up at Liverpool, it is unlikely he would have been given as many minutes due to the Reds' superlative attacking line.

Unless forced to do otherwise, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp tends to deploy his best front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in Premier League and Champions League games.

If he had moved to Anfield, Rodrygo would be in direct competition with Salah for the position on the right flank, and the Egyptian is all but undroppable after two brilliant seasons on Merseyside.

At the Santiago Bernabeu, the situation is much more fluid. Rodrygo has taken full advantage of the game time afforded to him while Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez have been out injured, and he looks set to be a future superstar in Madrid.