Rodrygo has played in every position and role possible under Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. He started out as the catalyst on European nights, moved to the starting right winger in last season's 4-3-3, and ended up as a No.9 in the Italian coach's new 4-4-2 diamond formation.
His understanding of the game, his ability to link up with others and his relationship with the goal meant that he could be placed in any position up front. This season, the sensations have changed.
Rodrygo isn't comfortable starting as the team's reference point alongside Vinicius. The wide role didn't seem to be either, but he has ended up moving to the left, so someone has to occupy the area.
"I've always made it clear that I have the ability to play on the wings, I just don't like playing as a (No.) 9, although at my club I have to do it. In Brazil I have more freedom to move," Rodrygo declared.
The departure of Karim Benzema and his 30 goals per season has also put more pressure on the two young Brazilians. The former Santos player knows that at the club and national team he plays for and shies away from it
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"It's a positive pressure to know that people trust you. I see myself like that in this new cycle, and I think I can live up to those expectations that have been placed on me".
The heat map via wyscout of Rodrygo's season in LaLiga EA Sports shows us that the Brazilian is constantly looking for the lane between center-back and left-back, forgetting the central area altogether.
Even so, according to the minutes played, this season he has occupied 84 percent of the position of striker and 16% of the position of left winger, another example of the fact that a coach's scheme is not a fixed position for the players.
Match against Valverde's Uruguay
Deniz's team is 2nd in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with seven points. Only Argentina have won all their matches. The rumors about the Canarinha's bench, do not affect a team that hopes to continue getting good results. This time, against Uruguay.
"I talk a lot with Valverde about it. He told me: 'Don't come, stay in Madrid'. I'm a big fan of Fede's football; he's one of the best players in the world."
On his role in the team, the Brazilian is more neutral with the interim coach's system
"Sometimes I'll be on the flanks, in the center, every striker has his style and plays in a different way. It depends on how the team approaches it and how we plan the attack".
Without a doubt, Brazil form one of the most fearsome attacking fronts on the international scene. Even so, Rodrygo still has admiration for the Benzema-Bale-Cristiano trio, whom he himself succeeded at Real Madrid: "We are very happy to see all the expectations that have been generated around us, me, Neymar, Vini and Richarlison.... Personally, I used to enjoy watching Real Madrid's trio, the BBC: Bale, Benzema and Cristiano."
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