Home La Liga Real Madrid forward Rodrygo does not like playing as number nine

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo does not like playing as number nine

October 17, 2023

Rodrygo has been used alongside both Vinicius Junior and Joselu in the forward line this season.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is not interested in playing in his new position. He has admitted that he ‘simply does not like’ playing as a number nine.

The Brazilian is currently being asked to operate in by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. Rodrygo has largely played as a right-sided attacker since his arrival at the Spanish capital.

Rodrygo netted 19 goals and provided 11 assists in 57 appearances for Los Blancos during the 2022-23 season. Still, he is being asked to play a new role this season.

All happened due to Karim Benzema’s departure and Ancelotti moved to a new 4-3-1-2 formation. Jude Bellingham is playing behind a front two.

Rodrygo has been used alongside both Vinicius Junior and Joselu in the forward line this season. The Brazilian has struggled to make his mark. He scored only one goal and provided one assist in 11 appearances.

Rodrygo spoke to Marca, “I have always made it clear that I have the ability to play on the wings, I simply don’t like playing as a nine, although in my club I have to do it. With Brazil I have more freedom to move.”

“It’s a positive pressure to know that people trust you. I see myself [as a player to take it on] like this in this new cycle, and I think I can live up to those expectations that have been placed on me.

“[With Brazil] Sometimes I will be on the flanks, in the middle, each striker has his own style and plays in a different way. It depends on how the team sets out and how we plan the attack.

“I see myself with more pressure, taking on more and more responsibility. It’s a positive pressure, knowing that people expect something from you, trust you.

“This is how I see myself in this new cycle, and I hope to live up to those expectations. This happens to all forwards, spending time without scoring goals is frustrating. But sometimes it’s a matter of bad luck.”

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