Alvaro Rodriguez, the Uruguayan wonderkid, is set to replace Karim Benzema in Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield.
Real Madrid will be without Karim Benzema for this weekend’s trip to Pamplona, but Madridistas may be able to watch one of their promising prospects.
Benzema will be rested against Osasuna after sustaining bruises against Elche. Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard will return to the starting lineup following injuries, while Toni Kroos is still suffering from a cold.
At his pre-match news conference, manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed that he will be recalling Alvaro Rodriguez, an 18-year-old Real Madrid Castilla player.
“He’s doing OK. He’ll be on the team tomorrow because he’s someone we trust. We don’t have a profile for him: he’s tall and a good header of the ball… He might be able to assist us.”
The Uruguayan has just returned from the South American under-20 Championships, where he helped La Celeste finish second. In the process, Rodriguez scored five goals in seven games. He has also been a force for Castilla this season, scoring five goals in 15 appearances.
Ancelotti’s height is a magnificent 193cm, which makes him a handful when combined with his superb left foot. Rodriguez has played in the center and on the wings.
