Real Madrid started their run in the Club World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Saudi club Al-Hilal on June 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
This was Real Madrid's first match under new head coach Xabi Alonso, who has been reported to make necessary changes to the Spanish squad to bring them back to winning ways following their underwhelming run in the last campaign.
With the summer transfer window ongoing, Real Madrid have made signings to further strengthen their squad. However, there have also been doubts over the future of one of their stars, Rodrygo.
Several reports have suggested that multiple clubs, including Arsenal, are heavily interested in acquiring Rodrygo's signature this summer. There has been no indication of the Brazilian looking for a move away from Santiago Bernabeu, and Real Madrid are expected to part ways with him without charging a hefty fee.
Los Blancos have been reported to demand an estimated fee of €90 million (£77m/$103.6m) for Rodrygo's potential departure.
Now, Alonso has made his feelings clear about Rodrygo and his position in the squad.
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What did Xabi Alonso say about Real Madrid's Rodrygo?
The 2024-25 season was not an easy one for Real Madrid, and that was also the case for Rodrygo, especially the end stages of the campaign. The 24-year-old was left out of the squad while he also missed six games due to injuries and illness.
Rodrygo started in 39 out of the 51 appearances he made for Real Madrid last season while registering 14 goals and 11 assists.
After being named in the starting XI against Al-Hilal, Rodrygo assisted Gonzalo Garcia to net Madrid's sole goal of the match. Speaking ahead of the match, Alonso addressed questions regarding Rodrygo and the reported uncertainties about his future at the club.
The Spanish manager backed (comments via GOAL) the Santos graduate and said,
"I know what had happened in the final stretch, it was not easy for him. He took some time to reset his head and I see him wanting to enjoy and contribute."
While it seems Rodrygo will be a part of Alonso's plans for the upcoming season, Real Madrid are now preparing to face Mexican side C.F. Pachuca on June 22 at Bank of America Stadium.
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