Xabi Alonso Delivers Bold Rodrygo Assessment: "We Need Everyone" After Star's Season Opener

Even with questions surrounding his future, Rodrygo kicked off his campaign for Real Madrid by featuring in the starting lineup during Los Blancos' triumph against Real Oviedo.
The decision to start Rodrygo came as a shock. Following Xabi Alonso's appointment at Real Madrid, Rodrygo found himself relegated to a backup position. Having started only one match throughout the 2025 Club World Cup, it seemed the Brazilian winger was headed for an exit from the Santiago Bernabéu.
Leading up to the clash with Real Oviedo, media reports suggested Rodrygo might get his first start of the campaign. Nevertheless, his selection in the starting formation caught many off guard. Following the encounter, Alonso shared his thoughts on Rodrygo's display.
"He's [Rodrygo] performed admirably," Alonso commented. "Playing on that flank [the left wing] he links up effectively. He managed a few attempts but struggled to create openings with Oviedo defending so deep. I'm pleased with his showing. We require all our players and Rodrygo is part of that group."
"We possess over 20 squad members and I intend to maximize each player's potential to field our strongest possible team."
Based on the opening two matches of the campaign, Alonso appears to view Rodrygo as the understudy to Vinícius Júnior. Brahim Díaz was given the nod on the right flank for Real Madrid's La Liga season opener against Osasuna. Franco Mastantuono took his place versus Oviedo, starting on the right side with Rodrygo positioned on the left and Vinícius Júnior resting on the substitutes' bench.
Throughout his Real Madrid career, Rodrygo has predominantly operated as a right-sided winger. Nevertheless, he developed through Santos's youth system as a left winger and has represented Brazil's senior squad in that position. Much of the conjecture about Rodrygo's potential exit from the club stems from his preference to feature on that flank where he reportedly feels more at ease.
Several Premier League sides have shown interest in Rodrygo during this transfer period, while Saudi Pro League teams have also monitored his situation. Yet, with just days left in the transfer market, Rodrygo continues to feature in Alonso's thinking for his inaugural season managing Real Madrid.