I just stumbled upon a really detailed analysis of Rodrygo on a YouTube football channel and wanted to share the main points. The host argued that Rodrygo is one of the most underrated world-class talents right now, and that many people misunderstand his actual playstyle.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what was said:
1. He’s Not a Traditional Winger
Unlike Vinícius Jr., who relies on raw pace and power on the wing, Rodrygo is described as a highly intelligent, technical, and creative player —
- a “true Brazilian street footballer.”
His game is built on:
Intelligence: He reads the game brilliantly and punishes the smallest defensive mistakes, like a defender’s poor body positioning.
Unpredictable Speed: He has an incredible burst of acceleration. He’s not just fast in a straight line; he slows down and then explodes into space, making him very hard to mark.
Combination Play: He thrives on quick one-twos and link-up play to get into dangerous positions, rather than just trying to beat defenders with pace alone.
2. The Problem: He’s Playing Out of Position. This was the key point. At Real Madrid, especially now with Mbappé’s arrival, Rodrygo is forced to play on the right wing to keep the team balanced. The stats shown in the video were quite telling:
Goals per 90 mins from the LEFT wing: 0.39
Goals per 90 mins from a CENTRAL role: 0.35
Goals per 90 mins from the RIGHT wing: 0.19
He’s literally twice as effective when playing on the left (his preferred side) or centrally. On the right, his game is much more limited. Plus, he does a lot of defensive work, tracking back for the team, sacrificing his attacking game in a way that players like Vinícius and Mbappé don’t.
3. His Frustration and Why He Might Move
The analysis pointed out Rodrygo’s clear frustration with this role. Even Jude Bellingham publicly said Rodrygo is one of the most underrated players who sacrifices a lot for the team. The feeling is that he’s a world-class talent being used more as a functional role player.
The video concluded that while most top clubs either have a player in his position or couldn’t afford him, Arsenal was mentioned as the most logical destination if he leaves. They need a top-tier left winger and have a young, stable squad that could accommodate a big signing.
Anyway, I thought it was a fascinating take. It shows he’s not just another pacey winger but a very clever, technically gifted forward who’s being held back by his current role at Madrid.
What do you guys think? Could a player with his intelligence and skill fit into Pep’s system?