PROSPECT | Who is Álvaro Rodríguez? | OneFootball

Real Madrid Castilla striker Álvaro Rodríguez is currently enjoying the U20 South American Championship with Uruguay.

Born in Spain, the 18-year-old was decided to represent Uruguay at the U20 Championship being played in Colombia, and he is making an impression for both Castilla and Uruguay, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Bolivia on Thursday.

Rodríguez, who has signed a contract with Madrid until 2027, netted his three goals with just four shots to send Uruguay into the next stage of the tournament.

Born in 2004, he was the first youth-team player to make his Real Madrid debut under Carlo Ancelotti this season, in the match against Cacereño in the Copa del Rey on January 3.

Mario Martín, Rodríguez’a team-mate at Castilla, was the second Castilla player to play for Ancelotti’s side this season, when he came on in Thursday’s cup win over cross-city rivals Atlético Madrid at the Bernabéu.

Castilla’s manager is Real Madrid legend Raúl, who is helping Rodriguez to develop his game in front of goal.

The Spanish coach made the decision this season to give Rodríguez a starting place in attack over teenage sensation Iker Bravo (18), who is currently on loan from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

If Rodríguez continues to impress for club and country, he could be spending more time with Real Madrid’s first-team squad in the near future.

Kieran Quaile | GSFN