Real Madrid Castilla boss Raul Gonzalez insists Rodrygo Goes is a first-team player at the club despite not featuring to date this season.
The 18-year-old had starred with Santos in his native Brazil before joining Madrid this summer after the two club’s struck a €45m deal in 2018.
Rodrygo was not included in either Madrid’s squad for their win at Sevilla on Sunday or for the club’s Castilla side for their draw against Las Palmas B.
“We had 18 players in our squad and he has stayed because he is a first-team player,” Raul told reporters, as cited by Marca.
“When they tell us he can represent us, then of course we are very pleased to have him.
“Following the path of Zinedine Zidane, from managing Castilla to the first team? I am very happy with the situation I have now, I want to work and acquire experience that, like everything in life, is needed.”
Takefusa Kubo – another Madrid summer arrival – was loaned out to Real Mallorca for the season and there had been suggestions that Rodrygo would take a similar exit this summer.
However, that did not come to fruition but the player is yet to feature for his new club, despite Raul insisting that he has the quality to make the grade this season.
