Xabi Alonso has reiterated Rodrygo’s importance to Real Madrid despite ongoing rumours over a potential summer transfer to Arsenal.
The Brazilian did not feature in Madrid’s 3-1 win over Pachuca at the Club World Cup earlier this week, having started their opener against Al-Hilal.
Rodrygo assisted Gonzalo Garcia for Madrid’s only goal in their Group H opener in Miami, where new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen both made their debuts, but was an unused substitute on matchday two, as Alonso’s side went down to 10 men inside seven minutes as Raul Asencio was dismissed.
The winger has been heavily linked with a transfer to Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners reportedly holding a strong interest in the 24-year-old.
However, Alonso told a pre-match press conference ahead of Madrid’s game against RB Salzburg in Philadelphia on Thursday that he believed Rodrygo was “still important”.
“He looks good to me, enthusiastic,” Alonso said. “The other day was a technical decision. He remains important and we will need him in the Club World Cup.
“He is a special player and he will have a significant role.”
Madrid play Salzburg in their final game in Group H at Lincoln Financial Field, knowing that a point should be enough to see them into the knockout stages.
They are currently level on points with their Austrian counterparts - both on four - although the LaLiga outfit are a goal better off as things stand.
Al-Hilal are hot on their heels after two successive draws, and they face Pachuca knowing that they need a win to stand a chance at qualifying for the last 16.
