Impressive derby display earns Real Madrid youngster a starting role at Manchester City | OneFootball

Rodrygo’s remarkable performance against Atletico Madrid appears to have secured his spot in Real Madrid’s starting line-up for their crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City, as reported by AS.

Despite being overlooked by some critics and the public, who have largely focused on the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo’s recent form speaks for itself.

In the Madrid derby, he played a key role, consistently pushing forward and creating opportunities. His brilliant dribble past Lino and Galán led to Mbappe’s equalising goal, highlighting his immense impact.

Making a strong case

This season, Rodrygo has already contributed to 11 goals, scoring seven and providing four assists. Such form would typically guarantee him a starting role, but with Manchester City next on the calendar, manager Carlo Ancelotti faces a dilemma.

Ancelotti, known for relying on a solid midfield, previously adopted a more defensive approach when facing City at the Etihad last season.

Rodrygo was fantastic against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

However, with Mbappe and Vinicius now in sensational form, the tactical landscape has shifted.

Rodrygo’s desire to be a central figure was evident against Atletico, where he operated with creativity and purpose.

He was one of the most involved players, participating in 84 actions—only behind Ceballos, Lucas Vazquez, and Bellingham—far surpassing Mbappe and Vinicius.

A great performance against Atletico

He created the most goal-scoring chances, attempted the highest number of crosses, and executed three successful dribbles, showcasing his attacking prowess.

Ancelotti may already have a solution to maximise Rodrygo’s impact while maintaining defensive stability.

The Italian tactician successfully tested a system against Atletico with two lines of four, allowing Bellingham to play slightly wider while Mbappe and Vinicius contributed defensively. This approach proved effective, as Atletico’s only goal came from a penalty.

As Real Madrid prepare to face Pep Guardiola’s side, it remains to be seen whether Rodrygo’s form will prompt a tactical tweak from Ancelotti. One thing is certain: his impressive performances have made him difficult to overlook.