Softfootball understands that Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso sounded very happy with Rodrygo during his recent press conference.
Madrid are getting ready for their last game of the year, playing Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu, and they want another win to keep the pressure on Barcelona.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, Alonso didn’t even try to hide his mood. He said he’s happy with Rodrygo, almost like he’s watching a player grow up twice.
He said:
Xabi Alonso: I’m very happy with and for Rodrygo. He’s doing very well. The balance he gives us, both on and off the ball. He has excellent technique. He combines well between the lines and in tight spaces. Very good!.
The coach pointed at Rodrygo’s balance on and off the ball, the tight-space dribbling, and the clean touches that let Madrid escape pressure. Sometimes Rodrygo looks calm, then suddenly he combines through defenders like it’s nothing. Alonso seems to love that mix.
What makes this praise louder is where Rodrygo started. Earlier in the season, he wasn’t close to a guaranteed starting place, and there was talk about him leaving during the summer. He wanted more minutes, but instead of quitting, he fought his way back.
Rodrygo has improved his form recently, scoring in the club’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League and then the winner in Madrid’s 2-1 victory versus Alavés in La Liga. Those were the moments when you could feel something clicking again.
Alonso also hinted that Rodrygo’s ability to play left, right, or central, or even drop deeper, makes him very useful for how Madrid wants to play against Sevilla, who press hard; having someone who can keep the ball in tight spaces might be a small cheat code.
Madrid probably needs that with Federico Valverde dealing with discomfort and the midfield options looking a bit stretched.
Rodrygo still needs consistency, but Alonso calling his recent form great news sounded more like a long-term message. Real Madrid isn’t treating him like a backup anymore. He feels part of the 2026 plan, maybe even one of the key pieces in it.
