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<ul><li>Vallejo praises Rodrygo amid Madrid struggles</li><li>Was more fascinated by him than with Vini &amp; Mbappe</li><li>Believes Brazilian can be key for many years to come</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Rodrygo is better than Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr in one aspect as ex-Real Madrid team-mate was 'fascinated' by Brazilian star

Segunda Division

Almeria

Albacete

<p>Former Madrid centre-back Vallejo, who recently left the club and joined second division side Albacete as a free agent, made a surprising admission regarding Rodrygo, claiming that he was "fascinated" by the technical quality of the ex-Santos prodigy and found him better in that aspect in comparison to Mbappe and Vinicius.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://as.com/futbol/primera/vallejo-pintus-decia-que-no-daba-credito-cuando-veia-a-modric-n/" target="_blank"><em>AS</em>,</a> Vallejo was asked which player impressed him most technically, he replied: "Rodrygo. In small-sided training sessions, he displayed tremendous talent. I was fascinated by him."</p><p>As a follow-up question, Vallejo was asked if he was impressed with Rodrygo more than Vini Jr. and Mbappe. The defender said: "In that respect, yes. He's really good and has impressive footballing qualities."</p>

WHAT JESUS VALLEJO SAID

<p>Rodrygo's future at the Santiago Bernabeu has been cast into doubt, with the winger losing prominence in the starting XI over the course of the previous campaign. At the Club World Cup, under new head coach Xabi Alonso, the 24-year-old played less than 100 minutes and started just one game out of six in the tournament. He has been linked with numerous clubs, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-learn-rodrygo-asking-price-holding-talks-real-madrid-winger-summer-search-new-attackers/blt78086e33ca90c12b" target="_blank">Arsenal</a>, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/liverpool-enter-direct-talks-rodrygo-summer-transfer-real-madrid-ready-sanction-sale-winger/bltb2470fe47d023358" target="_blank">Liverpool</a>, and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-made-to-sweat-rodrygo-transfer-psg-weigh-up-real-madrid-man-star-studded-attack/blt80a4406bafde8810" target="_blank">Paris Saint-Germain</a> reported to have been interested in signing him this summer.</p><p>When asked if Madrid would be making a mistake parting ways with the Brazilian, Vallejo provided his thoughts. </p><p>"I don't want to interfere where it doesn't belong, but Rodrygo has already proven his worth and has done so consistently," the former Wolves defender said. "If he regains his best form, he should be an important player for Madrid for many years to come."</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Madrid are believed to be open to Rodrygo's departure, even though the player wants to stay and convince Alonso that he can rely on him. Per reports, Los Blancos will not force his departure and will leave the final decision up to the player himself.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR RODRYGO?

Rodrygo is better than Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr in one aspect as ex-Real Madrid team-mate was 'fascinated' by Brazilian star | Goal.com

Former Real Madrid centre-back Jesus Vallejo admitted that Rodrygo impressed him more than Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

Rodrygo is better than Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr in one aspect as ex-Real Madrid team-mate was &apos;fascinated&apos; by Brazilian star

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