Xabi raises a major concern about Rodrygo's future at Madrid, he's not convinced

After many doubts regarding Rodrygo Goes's future, given the approaches from the Premier League, the saga seems to be heading toward its most natural conclusion. Real Madrid's "11" verdeamarelo, due to the lack of offers that he considers attractive both economically and in terms of sports, would have decided to continue with the Merengue team next season.

The closest associates of the Osasco striker have made it clear that the Carioca footballer's goal now is to show Xabi Alonso, through training sessions, that he deserves to be a regular starter. It remains to be seen how the Tolosa manager will react, as he would have used the Club World Cup and the first training sessions to shape his ideal starting eleven against Osasuna.

The match on August 19, the first game of the current league season, could well be a preview of the dynamics that will govern Santiago Bernabéu locker room. Xabi Alonso would have decided to use a formation with two forwards, so Rodrygo Goes would remain on the bench: Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius are the chosen ones.

This isn't the only setback that the coaching staff will consider when evaluating Rodrygo's stay with the team. The arrival of Franco Mastantuono, as well as the placement of Brahim Díaz as another option for the attack, makes it considerably more difficult for him to be among the first choices for substitutions.

It depends on both

That's why Rodrygo's best asset is his own performance. Not only in the training sessions held at Ciudad Real Madrid: he must make the most of every minute of play that Xabi Alonso sees fit to grant him. The first opportunity to show that he deserves to compete for a spot in the starting eleven is the friendly against the Austrian Tirol.

That match scheduled for August 11 is shaping up to be a dress rehearsal for the league clash against Osasuna, to be played just one week later. There are still no estimates regarding Xabi Alonso's choices for that occasion: it's not a decision that can be taken lightly.

The situation of Rodrygo Goes at Real Madrid is a confluence of multiple factors. The most recent, without a doubt, is the absence of convincing offers from the European football elite. That lack of top-level proposals has forced him to remain in the Spanish capital, subject to Xabi Alonso's decisions.

However, the Tolosa manager will only change his role in Santiago Bernabéu locker room by following his performance and displays, both inside and outside the Valdebebas training grounds. Rodrygo must reconnect with his best version if he wants to overcome Real Madrid's big "but": only two spots in the attack for five footballers.