Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti names the ideal position for Rodrygo | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Rodrygo Goes is more of a centre-forward or a second striker than a wide player.

The Brazilian youngster came to the fore following a brilliant 2021/22 season where he was pivotal behind Madrid’s Champions League triumph, scoring in crucial games against Chelsea and Manchester City.

Rodrygo has continued his excellent form this season, racking up seven goals and five assists in all competitions.

Although he was mainly used as a winger last season, Ancelotti has often deployed the 21-year-old in the No 9 position this term in the absence of Karim Benzema.

The Italian manager also believes Rodrygo’s skill set makes him an ideal centre-forward rather than a winger.

Speaking to the press ahead of the La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano, Ancelotti said: “Rodrygo has so much potential, either as a centre forward or a second striker.

The wide positions aren’t as good for him because his strengths are his movement, dribbling in tight spaces. I see him more as a centre forward than a wide man.”

Rodrygo’s coming of age has not only put him among the best young players in the world at the moment but also drawn comparison with Brazilian legend Ronaldo.

Ancelotti weighed his thoughts on it, claiming that Rodrygo has the potential to reach the level of El Fenomeno.

“Ronaldo wasn’t as fortunate as Rodrygo,” he added. “Back then, Real Madrid weren’t as strong as they are now in the Champions League. Rodrygo can make the most of that.

“If he reaches Ronaldo’s levels on an individual basis, we’ll be building a statue to him.”

Benzema has already missed a handful of games this season due to injuries, but Madrid mitigated his absence with the talented frontline of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Marco Asensio and Federico Valverde.