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Cafu backs Rodrygo as Real Madrid’s key player, despite fans favoring Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Rodrygo is expected to play a key role for Real Madrid. (Image: X)
Brazilian football legend Cafu has backed Rodrygo to be the most effective player of the current Real Madrid set-up. His claim might not go down well with many fans, who consider Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr to be the key components of Carlo Ancelotti’s unit. Cafu, however, has noticed that Real Madrid lacks fluidity whenever Rodrygo struggles to showcase his A-game. He also lets Mbappe and Vinicius play freely, linking up with Jude Bellingham.
Mbappe has recorded the most goal contributions as a Real Madrid player this season, with 32 goals and four assists in 49 games. Rodrygo, on the other hand, has made 48 appearances across all competitions, registering 13 goals and 10 assists. Keeping aside his numbers, Cafu shed light on Rodrygo’s impact in the attacking third.
“When Rodrygo plays, Vinicius works, Valverde too, the same with Mbappe and also with Bellingham. When Rodrygo is not very well, Real Madrid has a lot of difficulty articulating the plays. He has become a fundamental piece,” Cafu said in a recent interview with the Spanish outlet, SPORT.
The legendary full-back further opened up about Endrick’s limited game time at Real Madrid. The 18-year-old arrived at the Spanish capital from Palmeiras last summer. With Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrygo making up a three-man attack, Endrick has mostly warmed the bench. He has started in only five of his 32 appearances across competitions.
“Of course, it was a great choice for him to go to Real Madrid! He’s not just in any team. He’s young and surrounded by good teammates. But you have to take into account all the players ahead of him,” Cafu said about Endrick’s current situation.
“He’s just looking for his space. These types of youngsters just need to be patient. If he has the potential and the ability to listen, he’ll become one of Real Madrid’s great players,” he added.
Despite his limited game time, Endrick made his presence felt at Real Madrid, scoring seven goals and providing one assist in the 2024-25 season.
