Real Madrid, presently the second most valuable soccer side worldwide after Barcelona, is unquestionably the pace-setter in Spain and will compete for yet another Champions League trophy after an otherworldly semifinal comeback against Manchester City, inspired by a spritely 21-year-old: Rodrygo Goes.

Of course, this did not belong to one player. It was Real’s resurrection, again. Outclassed, reaching Europe’s showcase game against all-conquering Liverpool was impossible until it wasn’t—because containing momentum in soccer is also often impossible. Once substitute Rodrygo notched one goal, even smooth, clockwork, serial winner City couldn’t close the deal as the Brazilian headed in another to force extra time before Karim Benzema’s penalty sealed a refreshed blockbuster final with the Reds in Paris on May 28. As the night’s protagonist summarized (Spanish) to Marca, “We were dead, and my first goal lifted us.”

It’s easy to cast a blind eye to some promising players due to the multitude of talent in the modern game. Real’s Vinícius Júnior and City’s Phil Foden were hyped up before the Champions League semifinal second leg after their goals in the first. As it turned out, it was another in Rodrygo who made the difference, and he would have snatched a show-stopping, stoppage-time hat-trick had it not been for City goalkeeper Ederson. Rodrygo is slightly younger than compatriot Vinícius and cost Real less money—roughly €40 million ($42 million) compared to his fellow forward’s €46 million ($48 million) arrival fee.

While the whole unit rallied in Madrid, Rodrygo’s impact was especially remarkable. The winger, who naturally morphs into a forward, is diminutive in physique and tends to be an afterthought, with much attention revolving around Benzema and Vinícius in the forward positions. Benzema’s goals and consistency over the years rightly command many column inches, as does young Vinícius’ transformation into a feared attacking force. Meanwhile, with a slippery turn of pace and a striker’s instinct, Rodrygo has evolved into one of the most versatile forwards around, and he’s done it pretty seamlessly. For this reason, he is just as valuable as anyone in a white kit.

Indeed, as top keepers strive to show composure on the ball, elite wingers are becoming hybrids too. Rodrygo certainly fits that bill. And that can only raise his stock higher. Rodrygo has stepped up for Real in Europe, scoring or assisting roughly once every Champions League game on average. Considering his lack of starting lineup places, he’s such a reliable option for his manager Carlo Ancelotti. The boss deserves credit for continuing the club’s European success story while nurturing dynamic youngsters like Rodrygo, Vinícius and Eduardo Camavinga, who will assume more responsibility at the club before too long.

The coach has managed the squad balance expertly. Pinning his hopes on the tried and tested players didn’t work out at the Santiago Bernabéu for nearly 90 minutes. So, he called on Rodrygo and Camavinga to change the game, knowing they would bring fresh legs and minds. French midfielder Camavinga roamed around and distributed the ball like an experienced head in the middle of the pitch, while Rodrygo found a gear none of his teammates could. Keeping the squad happy and motivated at any elite club is a task, and luckily everyone knows his part to play.

The game-changer understands his role in a fast-developing, star-studded wave at Real. The more youthful, long-term acquisitions will do well to replace Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Benzema, to name a few. But the signs suggest they can still drive the side forward into a new era where Champions League finals will become a common occurrence. Ancelotti’s role in this cannot be understated. Not one to bark orders from the touchline, he’s shown faith in the players’ ability to solve on-field puzzles for themselves. They did that against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and City. They will probably have to do the same when they clash heads with Liverpool in the French capital.

With the crowned La Liga champion, Rodrygo has regularly influenced games from the bench. And despite stiff competition, his contributions to the team mean his value has not suffered too much. With a World Cup approaching, Brazil—which has only given him a handful of senior appearances—should make the most of his talents ahead of the tournament. So often reliant on Neymar, it now has a couple of Real stars to share the responsibilities upfront.

To ensure he sustains his success, you wonder whether Rodrygo needs to start contests rather than change them. A move from Real could help in that regard, especially if it buys big in this summer transfer market and beyond. Equally, by accruing more games and experience with Los Blancos, he will become a more regular cog in the side. That would suit Real down to the ground and give him the platform to show he belongs in the same bracket as any other up-and-coming player in Europe. He demonstrated that against City quite brilliantly and could do the same before the season’s out if needed.

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