Player Watch: Real Betis’ Jesús Rodríguez
Assane Diao isn't the only talented youngster in Real Betis' system.
Welcome to Player Watch, your go-to source for spotting football’s emerging talents. In this series, The Fútbolinho Network dives deep into the performances of young and often under-the-radar players who are not just playing well but showing immense potential to become the next big names in football.
Today’s Player Watch is on Los Verdiblancos’ youngster Jesús Rodríguez.
Rodríguez, 19, seems to have appeared out of nowhere. Last year, he was on the Spain U19 side that won the 2024 Under-19 Euro. Rodríguez started this season on Betis’ second team in the Primera Federación (third division).
The talented winger started 10 games and made two appearances off the bench. He scored twice and assisted two goals.
During this time, he made four appearances for the first team. The first came on Oct. 31, in the Copa Del Rey first round. Rodríguez was subbed on in the 62’ minute and earned an assist.
Earning His Spot
His first start for the senior side was against Real Sociedad in the league on Dec. 1, 2024. He started and played 90’ minutes three days later in the second round of the Copa Del Rey and came off the bench late in a 2-2 draw against Barcelona in the league.
Rodríguez’s efforts earned him a permanent spot on Betis’ first team roster. It allowed Los Verdiblancos to sell fellow 19-year-old Assane Diao, whom many consider a wonderkid, for €12 million to Como. Also, the Sevilla side loaned out veteran winger Juanmi to Getafe.
With the arrival of Antony from Manchester United on loan, Manuel Pellegrini has moved Rodríguez from the right to the left benching former Barcelona winger Abde Ezzalzouli. The Spanish youngster has started the last six games in a row as well as Betis’ Round of 16 loss to Barça.
Style of Play
Rodríguez loves to use his pace and skill to get in behind the defense and create opportunities. When off the ball, the winger drifts wide to get open and stretch out the opposition. He comes inside the box when a potential cross may come in.
Since arriving to the first team, Rodríguez has earned one goal and one assist. Although he doesn’t have big numbers in the stat sheet, he passes the eye test. He’s won 22 dribbles in the league, which is in the 80th percentile of La Liga wingers, and he has won 23 fouls, 72.4 percentile.
Currently, Transfermarkt values Rodríguez at just €1 million. That is surely to change based on his performances and how much Pellegrini trusts him.
Rodríguez’s biggest test comes this weekend against Real Madrid. With Antony out due to receiving a red card against Getafe, the young winger may start on the right wing.