Manchester City midfielder Rodri will contest the World Cup final, after playing a starring role in Spain’s semi-final victory over France.
La Roja beat the tournament favourites 2-0 in Texas, and will meet either Argentina or England in Sunday’s final in New York.
Should Rodri be considered the best defensive midfielder of all time if he wins the World Cup with Spain? 🤔
The Ballon d'Or winner is one victory away from adding the ultimate international prize…
Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot, with Pedro Porro doubling the lead in the second-half to stun France, who came up short all over the pitch.
It was a magnificent performance from Spain, who massively rose to the occasion as France wilted.
And at the heart of it all was City’s midfield metronome Rodri, and media outlets have lavished praise on the 30-year-old.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Rodri dominates France as Man City ace reaches World Cup final
Rodri had been having a great tournament up to the point of meeting France – but this showing was something else.
Many had suggested that if Spain could be strong on the ball there would be a good chance for them to win. And they were, with Rodri orchestrating everything.
As per Sofascore, he completed 58/67 (87%) passes, made six defensive contributions and won 11 of the 16 duels he contested.
Those 11 duels won were more than France’s entire midfield combined (via Statman Dave).
He, aided by partner Fabian Ruiz who was also excellent, bossed the game from start to finish, providing complete control for his side.
He would constantly take up intelligent positions and be the outlet for his teammates to recycle the ball.
He started attacks, he snuffed out fires, and his French opposite numbers just had no answer to him.
Predictably, the Spanish media lapped up his display:
AS – “Excellent level. At the start, with both teams overflowing with pulses, he was the calm. He offered to give his teammates an outlet and got out of the pressure in several limit plays, securing possession. And above he was a guarantee, an authority. He is the thermometer of the National Team.”
Mundo Deportivo – “Rodri is a gift for football.”
Sport – “Great game from all of them, with Rodri getting closer and closer to that player who shone in the last European Championship.”
ESPN (giving a 10/10 rating) – “A phenomenal display as the Manchester City man showcased why he has a Ballon d’Or in his back pocket. Dominant and classy in midfield, he cleared up any danger, cut out passing angles for France’s attack and was confident in possession.
“A towering display that will be up there with his very best and showed why he wears the armband for this Spain side.”
Rodri on the brink of football greatness
Rodri has already won so many trophies in his career, and now stands to win the ultimate international title.
If he wins the World Cup on Sunday, some conversations will need to be had about his standing in the game, because he has been an incredible player.
There will surely be an argument to call him the greatest defensive midfielder of all time if he adds the World Cup to his incredible trophy cabinet, which already includes the coveted Ballon d’Or.
