Rodrygo reaction to Real Madrid decision speaks volumes as Xabi Alonso fires Arsenal message

Rodrygo was upset with Xabi Alonso towards the end of Real Madrid's clash against Real Oviedo on Sunday night. The 24-year-old winger marked his first start of the new La Liga season with a victory, helping Los Blancos win 3-0 at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium.

Kylian Mbappe broke the deadlock eight minutes before half-time following a quick turnover in the middle of the park. The former Paris Saint-Germain striker doubled his tally later in the tie before Vinicius Junior, who had replaced Rodrygo after an hour, put the third and final nail in the coffin.

The Arsenal and Liverpool target was visibly frustrated when Alonso took him off. Upon seating himself in the dugout, Rodrygo exchanged a few words with Eder Militao while appearing to complain about something that happened on the pitch.

He then threw his training top on the ground before leaning forward to take a sip from his water bottle. A video of the Brazil international's tantrum quickly went viral, with many casting doubt over his future at Real Madrid.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Alonso heaped praise on Rodrygo. As quoted by the club website, the former Liverpool boss said: "He had a good game. In the first half, on that side, he linked up well with [Alvaro] Carreras, Mbappé sometimes dropped, and so did [Arda] Güler.

"He had one-on-one situations and a few shots. Oviedo were quite deep and it was difficult to find the space, but I liked it. After last week, we needed everyone, and Rodrygo is one of them."

Alonso also suggested that Rodrygo could stay beyond this summer, firing Arsenal and Liverpool a clear message. The Real Madrid boss added: "We have twenty-odd players in the squad and I'm going to try to get the best out of all of them.

"Sometimes you can have a few minutes and be important. Today, Vini was important. My intention is that everyone contributes to the team. That's going to be the norm."

Before the Oviedo clash, Alonso explained why Rodrygo didn't feature much at the Club World Cup in the summer. The Real Madrid boss said: "From my perspective, the season and my time at the club starts now.

"The Club World Cup was something different. The squad we had, I knew it would be different to what we are building, so we've only played one game.

"Every decision about who plays, who makes the eleven, are mine, and I make my assessments with help from the coaching staff. We consider what we think is best for each game. Of course, I speak to a lot of players, and I've spoken to Rodrygo as well.

"I'm happy with the squad we have, but you always have to be open-minded. I don't know what will happen, but I'm happy with my squad."

Earlier this summer, football.london understood that Arsenal were interested in signing Rodrygo, but any move would have been complicated.

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