Brazilian Legend Cafu Rejects Mbappé and Vinicius: ‘The Real Engine of Real Madrid is…’

Brazilian legend Marcos Evangelista de Moraes, better known as Cafu, has identified the indispensable player in Real Madrid. Despite the presence of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé, the former right-back points to a surprising element in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

The spotlight is intensely focused on Real Madrid. Freshly eliminated from the Champions League, Florentino Pérez’s club continues its quest for greatness, dreaming of a historic double in La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Ahead of the Copa del Rey final against Barça, the Spanish press is analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of Carlo Ancelotti’s team, which has not been performing consistently this season.

Big names like Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Jude Bellingham have raised many questions about their roles and importance within the Madrid squad. In this context, Cafu, an emblematic figure in Brazilian football, has shared his perspective, which may surprise many observers.

Cafu, whose illustrious career took him through prestigious clubs such as AS Roma and AC Milan, has established himself as a respected expert in world football. His analysis of Real Madrid, and particularly the contribution of Rodrygo Goes, deserves special attention.

In a recent interview, Cafu lavished praise on his young compatriot. According to the 54-year-old, neither Mbappé nor Vinicius are the most important players in the Madrid squad. “Rodrygo is the real motorzinho, the little engine of Real Madrid,” he declared, using a Portuguese expression that emphasizes the player’s vital importance.

According to Cafu, Rodrygo plays a key role in the fluidity and dynamism of the team. The Brazilian forward, often less publicized than his teammates, is the true catalyst for Real Madrid’s game. When Rodrygo is in top form, the entire Madrid offensive system seems more harmonious, allowing players like Vinicius, Mbappé, Valverde, and even Bellingham to express themselves fully.

Cafu’s praise doesn’t stop there. He emphasizes Rodrygo’s crucial impact on the team’s overall performance: “When he’s not in good form, we immediately notice a decrease in the effectiveness of the attacks.” This observation is particularly relevant as Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s coach, faces inconsistent performances from his players in recent weeks.

The arrival of Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid has undoubtedly altered the team’s tactical balance. Carlo Ancelotti, known for his adaptability, transformed his preferred 4-4-2 into a 4-3-3, a formation designed to best integrate his three star attackers.

While an explosive team was expected with this trio of attacking fire, Real Madrid has sometimes struggled to find its cruising speed, hence the many disappointments encountered this season. The collective harmony, a key element of success, has at times seemed compromised.

Aware that his initial plan was not producing the expected results, Carlo Ancelotti recently opted to return to his famous 4-4-2. In the match against Athletic Bilbao last weekend, this formation was used, with Rodrygo and Vinicius leading the attack.

Unfortunately, Cafu’s preferred striker, Rodrygo, did not shine in that match. Lacking confidence and success in front of goal for several weeks, Rodrygo Goes once again delivered a disappointing performance.

Faced with this situation, rumors have begun to circulate. According to reports, Ancelotti is even considering putting Rodrygo on the bench for the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona. The idea would be to start Mbappé and Vinicius in attack, a choice that raises questions about Rodrygo’s future in the starting eleven.

Today, the big question is whether Rodrygo will manage to rediscover his brilliant form and regain his place as a starter in a 4-4-2. Could the change in tactical system, despite having been successful in the past, once again benefit the young Brazilian forward?

It should also be emphasized that the emergence of the young Brazilian prodigy, Endrick, further complicates the choices of the Madrid coach. The precocious talent of Endrick, who will officially join Real Madrid this summer, has already impressed Carlo Ancelotti.

Moreover, in his recent media appearance, Cafu was particularly optimistic about the future of the 18-year-old striker. “Joining Real Madrid is an excellent decision for Endrick,” he declared, highlighting the player’s immense potential.

In any case, Cafu’s comments highlight an often-neglected aspect of Real Madrid: its collective spirit. While stars like Mbappé and Vinicius naturally attract the spotlight, it is players like Rodrygo, more discreet but just as indispensable, who maintain the team’s balance.

With a busy schedule and high goals to achieve, will Real Madrid be able to capitalize on this precious collective balance to triumph in the competitions to come? The answer to this crucial question will emerge over the course of the matches and challenges that await the Madrid team.