Real Madrid thrashed Valladolid 6-0 in their most recent LaLiga fixture with Karim Benzema scoring a 7 minute hat-trick and goals from Rodrygo, Asensio and Vazquez each.
Rodrygo, the young Brazilian winger, who played as a no 10 behind Karim Benzema, was in excellent form, providing two assists and scoring a goal, bringing his league assist total this season 22/23 to seven, which is now more than any other Real Madrid player.
It was an impressive showing by the youngster, who has now contributed to 21 goals for Los Blancos this season in all competition despite being used as a sub in most games.
Rodrygo’s Impressive Season So Far
Rodrygo has scored five goals and provided seven assists in 24 La Liga appearances this season.
He has also scored six goals and provided three assists in other competitions this season for Real Madrid, making him a key player in the attack for Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old has already surpassed his personal best assist tally in LaLiga, illustrating his continued growth and development as a key player in Real Madrid’s attack.
The Brazilian international was a key member of Ancelotti’s squad that won La Liga and the Champions League last season. Rodrygo’s contribution to last season’s historic comeback against Manchester City is still fresh in fans’ minds.
When asked about his performance against Valladolid and if it was his best outing in a Real Madrid shirt, Rodrygo remained modest, saying,
“I don’t think so, there are other games where I played very well. Today I was playing as a number 10, and then I ended up on the right flank. I played very well today.”
Ancelotti Praises Rodrygo’s Versatility
Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, also heaped praise on Rodrygo, highlighting his versatility and adaptability to different positions on the pitch.
“We started 4-4-2 with Rodrygo and Benzema, but the central defenders were good at pressing, so I saw the possibility of opening Rodrygo on the wing and giving freedom to Asensio, and since then everything became easier,” said Ancelotti.
Rodrygo’s Fitness Ahead of El Clasico in Copa del Rey 2nd Leg Clash
Despite suffering a knock with Brazil during the international break, Rodrygo played the full 90 minutes against Valladolid. However, he was seen with an ice pack on his knee after the game.
When asked about his fitness ahead of the crucial El Clasico clash against Barcelona on April 6th, Rodrygo said,
“This week was hard for me, I was in pain after a blow with Brazil. I’m treating myself, let’s see if I can be 100% at the Camp Nou.”
Ancelotti also confirmed that Rodrygo was in contention for a starting spot against Barcelona but admitted that it was tough to choose the starting XI given the squad’s depth.
Real Madrid’s Top G/A Contributors this Season 22/23
According to Transfermarkt stats, Vinícius Jr is currently Real Madrid’s top contributor in terms of goals and assists this season, with 32 contributions (19 goals, 13 assists) in all competitions.
Karim Benzema follows closely with 27 contributions (21 goals, 6 assists), while Rodrygo is in third place with 21 contributions (11 goals, 10 assists).
Fede Valverde, Marco Asensio, and Luka Modrić complete the top six with 16, 14, and 11 contributions, respectively.
Eden Hazard’s Return
In other news, Eden Hazard made a welcome appearance for Real Madrid, assisting in their sixth goal against Valladolid.
This was his first La Liga appearance since September, and despite some jeers from Bernabaue fans, it was nice to see the Belgian star get some playing time. Hazard has stated his desire to stay at Real Madrid past the summer of 2023 and prove his value to his dream club.
With this victory, Real Madrid has closed the gap at the top of the La Liga table to just 12 points, making them serious contenders for the title.
