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'The Closest to Neymar We've Seen': Why the Rodrygo Hype Is Justified

Most eyes were on Philippe Coutinho, Alisson Becker, Gabriel Jesus, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic as Brazil and Croatia faced each other at Anfield in a World Cup warm-up match in June 2018.

However, a few metres from the pitch, away from prying eyes, the final details of a €45 million transfer deal were being tied up for one of the hottest prospects in world football.

In one of the boxes at Liverpool's home ground, a meeting between Real Madrid's recruitment director Juni Calafat and representatives for Santos wonderkid Rodrygo Goes was taking place.