Real Madrid striker Rodrygo claims that the arrival of Kylian Mbappe will create “a pleasant headache” for coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Over the past few weeks, it has been reported that Mbappe has decided to leave PSG to sign with Real this summer. Although there has been no confirmation from the French international, who remains tight-lipped about his future, coach Luis Enrique is gradually reducing the frequency of using the striker in PSG’s recent matches.
Mbappe was disappointed when he was substituted in the match against Marseille early this morning, which further reinforced the belief that he will play in La Liga from the 2024/25 season.
If Mbappe comes to the Bernabeu, he will naturally be used in the final third of the field, and that will cause potential competition for a name that coach Ancelotti is regularly using in attack.
Vinicius Junior is a name that is guaranteed an official spot, and the one to worry about will be Rodrygo. The question is whether he will return to the bench or Ancelotti will return to the three striker scheme.
Rodrygo scored against Athletic Bilbao, and after the match the Brazil international was questioned about Mbappe and the potential consequences for his position.
Speaking to Cadena SER, Rodrygo said: “I still don’t know about Mbappe. I also don’t know what will happen. There are many options in the coach’s hands, so let’s see what he decides.”
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Rodrygo also added: “If Mpappe comes, will I have to sit on the bench? That will be a pleasant headache for the coach. My number one priority is Real Madrid’s results.” .
When Karim Benzema was at Real, Rodrygo was mainly used on the wing, but that has changed since the legendary French striker joined the Saudi Pro League.
Taking on the position of central striker, Rodrygo has contributed 15 goals and 8 assists after 42 appearances in all competitions this season. By comparison, Vinicius Junior has scored 18 goals and 8 assists in 28 appearances.
Joselu complemented the duo with his physical strength and scored 14 goals.
Even if Mbappe signs with Real, there is still a chance that this quartet can operate in parallel or replace each other under Ancelotti’s skillful arrangement.