An extra ball for Rodrygo at Real Madrid? When making a point on a mobile phone is useless.

Xabi Alonso is already beginning to outline the Real Madrid he wants for next season , and one that will, in fact, begin its journey at the next Club World Cup. Throughout the week that is leaving us, the Whites have released a significant series of official announcements , where some of the new signings have been announced, the departures of other pieces (not just from the first team) have been confirmed, and where other players may appear soon .

Looking at the cold, hard data from the season just gone, it's clear that Real Madrid 's main problem has been defensive . Not surprisingly, Kylian Mbappé has been Europe's top scorer , winning both the Pichichi trophy and the Golden Boot . But the 14 defeats suffered this season, in addition to the 76 goals conceded , confirm that Real Madrid needs to work hardest in defense.

Thus, Real Madrid's first two signings are Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold , a center back and a right back, and they won't be the only ones. The announcement of Álvaro Carreras is imminent , and the arrival of another center back wouldn't be out of the question, while Lucas Vázquez and Jesús Vallejo are two players who are already here . It's clear that, for now, pieces have come in for those who left, but another player is needed in the defense to bolster the team.

And, from there, the need to improve elements the team has lost in recent years is no less true. First and foremost, a midfielder who brings purpose to Madrid's game and is capable of connecting the ball out with the attackers' runs. And, why not, a finishing striker, a profile that hasn't existed since Joselu and who offers many solutions. But that's not the only movement that can be found in attack... and the spotlight is pointing to Rodrygo Goes .

The Brazilian is one of those players who, For reasons that are difficult to explain, they have imploded at Madrid . He was never a differential footballer, but he did show clear improvement each season that pushed him, on his own merits, into the starting eleven . But just in the season in which he consolidated himself as the team's starting right midfielder, he completely faded away: he scored 14 goals and provided 9 assists in 52 matches , insufficient stats to be an undisputed starter.

At his presentation, Xabi Alonso gave Rodrygo a pat on the back: "He's a spectacular player and we'll need him." The Brazilian has scored important goals for Madrid, but it's true that his final stretch of the season has been one to forget, with his last goal coming on March 4th , precisely against Atlético in the Champions League. Since then, he's been completely nowhere. Missing in action, but an undisputed starter, the debate has opened up around him . And he hasn't been able to respond with good performances.

At the start of the season, Mbappé's arrival sparked a lot of speculation about how Real Madrid's attack would be structured , with four forwards occupying three positions. The BMV , the press began, referring to Bellingham, Mbappé, and Vinícius: "Don't forget the R," they said in a message they would later delete . But the reality is that demands must go beyond a mobile phone screen. The battles are demonstrated on the pitch.

Rodrygo is a player with a lot of quality, but this year he's been weaker than expected, especially in the final stretch, when titles are at stake. And that's opened up a debate about whether to sell him . He's a player with a lot of standing and is very popular in the Premier League, especially at City, and Madrid could earn a significant sum of money for him. Is it better for him to stay or, on the contrary, sell him and strengthen the team with the money he earns?

Rodrygo's problem lies in the sensations he's offered. The player who came off the bench as a substitute hasn't had the same impact on attack when he became an undisputed starter . And Carlo Ancelotti 's poor management of his playing time has put him in the hot seat, as while he was going through a rough patch in form and play, he remained an undisputed starter... while Madrid let all the big opportunities to touch the metal slip through their fingers.

The debate is open, and the Brazilian is one of those key players who, should a dizzying offer arrive, could be forced to pack his bags . Xabi Alonso seems to be counting on him , so everything indicates that Rodrygo will have an extra chance at Madrid, but he can't waste it . Another poor season could put him on the exit ramp for good. As we said, demands must be made on the pitch... with numbers.