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Real Madrid star reveals frustration at new position.
Since Karim Benzema left Real Madrid in the summer, Rodrygo Goes has acknowledged that he has not particularly loved playing the number nine position.
The young Brazilian player is now an essential part of Carlo Ancelotti’s team after moving to Madrid for £38.5 million (€45 million) in 2019.
Rodrygo has excelled as the starting right winger for Los Blancos, winning two La Liga championships, one FIFA Club World Cup, and one UEFA Champions League.
Rodrygo and fellow wide winger Vinicius Junior have taken over as the team’s de facto main attackers following the shocking departure of Benzema, who joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ittihad. Ancelotti also brought in offensive midfielder Jude Bellingham.
While Vinicius has performed admirably in his new position, contributing to four goals in six starts, Rodrygo has had some difficulty adjusting to life as a number nine.
The 22-year-old has scored only one goal all season, and it was against Athletic Club back in the middle of August. Rodrygo has gone 10 games without recording a point since that contest.
Speaking while on international duty, Rodrygo discussed his recent barren run of form and admitted that he doesn’t like his new role at the club: “I have always made clear that I have the ability to play on the wing, I don’t like playing as a number nine, but in Madrid I have to.
“For Brazil, I have more freedom to move”, he added.
Jude Bellingham has scored an incredible amount of goals for Madrid thus far in the 2023–24 season, despite Rodrygo’s inconsistent play in front of goal. The English star has scored 10 goals in his first 10 games with the team, tying the club record and propelling Madrid to the top of La Liga.