The shifting form of Real Madrid this season has become even more noticeable as the team adapts to Alonso’s management style, and within that evolving landscape, the pressure surrounding fading talents often grows heavier, especially when a follower quietly checks updates through Cricket Exchange while watching another subdued performance from Rodrygo. Madrid currently sit second in La Liga, one point behind Barcelona, and their four wins from five Champions League matches keep their qualification hopes in their own hands. Yet crucial clashes against Atlético and Liverpool revealed glaring flaws, and Rodrygo’s deep slump has left the club with few ideas on how to revive him.

The Brazilian forward once carried a valuation of 110 million euros, but he is now enduring the darkest stretch of his career. Since last season, he has gone 31 straight matches without a goal, totaling 1369 minutes, setting an unwanted club record for a Madrid forward. Alonso has kept the 4-2-3-1 formation intact, but he has subtly reshaped the tactical core, which in turn has pushed Rodrygo further from the spotlight and reduced his influence in the final third.

At present, Mbappé is the undisputed focal point of Madrid’s attack. Vinícius dominates the left flank with his trademark explosive dribbling, constantly stretching defenses, while the right side now favors the hard-running and defensively aware young Argentine Mastantono. In midfield, Güler has become the creative hub, and with clear tactical roles in the front four, players like Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz have slipped into frustrating supporting roles. Rodrygo has essentially been limited to serving as Vinícius’ rotation option, highlighting how sharply his importance has declined.

Rodrygo’s early years in Madrid were filled with promise. He joined from Santos in 2019 for 45 million euros and earned recognition with his sharp close control, dynamic movement, and natural understanding of attacking spaces. Over 285 appearances, he has delivered 68 goals and 53 assists, and his contributions for Brazil stand at nine goals from 37 caps. As recently as last season’s first 39 matches, he accumulated 14 goals and eight assists, reinforcing the belief that he could be a long-term pillar of the squad.

The turning point arrived in the second half of last season when the team’s inconsistency combined with Rodrygo’s injuries to create a prolonged scoring drought. Alonso’s system demands aggressive pressing and defensive discipline from the attacking line, yet Mbappé and Vinícius are granted freedom due to their exceptional abilities, and Güler has managed to adapt through physical development. That left only a few spots open, and the coaching staff leaned toward players offering stronger defensive work, leaving Rodrygo—whose tracking and recovery runs remain limited—on the outside looking in.

This season, he has made only 16 appearances with just four starts, registering a single assist and no goals. Confidence has drained steadily, and shorter playing time has only made it harder to regain rhythm. Although Alonso has expressed faith publicly, discussions within the club have already turned toward a potential sale. Even a quick glance at value updates through Cricket Exchange highlights how drastically perceptions of his trajectory have shifted.

His current market value stands at 80 million euros, a full 30 million below his peak. Should a winter offer reach 60 million euros, Madrid may seriously consider letting him go. Still only 24, he has time to reinvent himself, but the path to redemption could unfold either at the Bernabéu or with a future club willing to bet on his revival. Whatever the destination may be, the hope remains that Rodrygo will rediscover the spark that once made him one of football’s brightest young stars, especially during moments when fans quietly track matchday swings through Cricket Exchange while wondering whether his next chapter will finally bring the turnaround he needs.