There’s also the Vinny factor. Rodrygo and him are pretty close, and Flo will do everything to keep Vinny happy.
If we sell Rodrygo, I hope: 1)Minimum fee of 130M 2)Nico W won’t be his replacement 3)use that money and bring Stiler and Franco M
If we’re switching to a front 2 with Bellingham behind them, Rodrygo would have to accept a lesser role. He’d get plenty of minutes still but there isn’t a better star sub option, he tends to be more impactful off the bench too. Does he accept that type of role and this is all wasted argument if Xabi has a completely different plan which he may.
I think we’re more likely to keep Rodrygo than sell him right now. I think the plan for transfers was address the defense. Which we have - just need a LB and we’re close to getting one. Give Xabi a season to use the existing midfield and attacking players a chance to start fresh with new philosophy and clean slate with the coach. If we do bring back Paz or something along those lines, Ceballos or Diaz are the likely ones to depart. I don’t see the likes of (Rodrygo, Camavinga and Tchoumeni) being moved as they were important signings and have room to improve.
Martinelli would have to be sold. Not sure if he’s pushing an exit and to where? If Rodrygo pushes and asks for an exit, typically Flo will allow it as they don’t hold players hostage. I’m just not sure Rodrygo is at that point yet. I’m sure Vinny will influence him to stay at least one more year.
Rodrygo has had his clutch moments but I don't think he's much if any better than Martinelli. Just can't imagine a world where Rodrygo is producing decent numbers in consecutive seasons. Just comes across as one of those confidence players that needs to have everything goes his way (mental health, coach, formation, team performance etc.) to be a good player.
The question is whether he'll start the majority of games, like he did this year, and what Xabi's preferred formation will be.
Rodrygo won't move until after the CWC if he does move. Endrick is out for 2 months now.... 1925226383942304233 is not a valid tweet id
I would not be surprised if we end up with a couple more injured players after CWC. It has been that kind of year.
1925220534507192542 is not a valid tweet id JUST IN: Real Madrid could ENTER the race for Florian Wirtz if Rodrygo is sold. It’s NOT ruled out. @SkySportDE 1925225486021537805 is not a valid tweet id
Really not gonna argue about some metrics. Vini is amazing talent, and i would not change him for anyone ,but this year he was more hurting team than helping.His mind is obviously somewhere else. Rodrygo , to have 3 great games a year is not enough to play for Madrid.
Vini is worth persisting with though, Yamal has a similar ceiling to him, Nico not so much. I think we have 2 excellent dynamic attacking talents in Kylian and Vini, adding one more expensive option who is not better than either and who comes with the headache of buying from Athletic just doesn't make sense. There isn't an obvious spot for him in our first 11.
If Paz is the midfield signing, starters in midfield and attack could be same as 2024-25. Fede, Tcho, Jude, Vini, Mbappe and Rodrygo.
Bringing Trent, Huijsen, and Carreras in should help an enormous amount with building out of the back, possession, and perhaps even chance creation as better passers can launch more transition opportunities. But structurally, idk how much we can change off the ball without breaking up the trio up top. If we sign someone like Stiller but keep a 433, Xabi is going to find it difficult to implement a better pressing system with the front 3 as currently constructed. As harsh as this may be, each day that goes by I'm more willing to sell Rodrygo and move to a front 2. Question is what is the best profile to throw into the mix.
I agree. A system / formation that allows us to have more control and creativity through a four-man midfield, with only two forwards hanging up top, is the direction we should go in. Stiller would give us all of that in midfield, through a single player. For me, Paz is too similar to Guler and Jude, right now.
You can't say that and then in the same breath say Nico was better than either when he was his own challenges at an environment with much less pressure and much less demands.
Why do suddenly so many people think that Stiller is the only player that would improve our midfield? Honestly there are so many central midfielders out there and Stiller is not without limitations. Rovella is a better player for example in the same class.
To me, it has to be Jude. Fantastic is tight spaces, strong, can play with his back to the goal, and has shown that he is elite at making runs into the box and finishing those runs.
The difference between those two is so significant that it's as if they play different sports altogether. Not even close.