Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler says one Manchester City player has been the best player at Euro 2024.
England and Spain go head-to-head in the final tonight in Berlin, and Gareth Southgate has the chance to end 58 years of hurt.
It is a chance for redemption after losing the Euro 202 final to Italy, and England fans everywhere have everything crossed that Southgate can mastermind an historic win.
But standing in England’s way are a Spain side who have looked fantastic over the last few weeks.
Luis de la Fuente’s side have looked the best team in the tournament and will be very difficult opponents.
One of the reasons Spain are so good is the fact they have Rodri in midfield and for Robbie Fowler, he has been the standout player out in Germany.
Robbie Fowler lauds ‘fantastic’ Man City star Rodri and suggests he’s been the best player at Euro 2024
Gary Neville has already fired a warning to England about keeping Rodri’s influence to a minimum in Berlin.
He and Fabian Ruiz have been controlling games so far at this tournament, and stopping them will be key tonight, as well as keeping the wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal in check.
City fans watch £63 million star Rodri dominate games week in week out at the Etihad.
It is extraordinary to watch him go about his work, and so impressive how players just cannot get near him.
Rodri is now widely regarded as the best holding midfielder in the world and for Fowler he has absolutely lived up to his billing at the Euros.
He said of the Spaniard in the Mirror (14/07, p. 81): “Rodri has been fantastic, probably the standout player of the tournament.
“But we’ve seen it all before with him at Manchester City. He plays exactly the same way for club as he does country – and his performance levels never seem to drop.”
England must stop Rodri
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One of the most crucial things tonight for Southgate is to make sure that Rodri’s influence is kept to an absolute minimum.
City fans, and fans of the Premier League, know how dominant he can be and it is paramount that he is not allowed time and space tonight in Berlin.
Potentially, a man-marking strategy could be the way forward.
Letting Rodri play would be calamitous for England, so hopefully the Three Lions have something up their sleeve.
Regarding Fowler’s take, Rodri is certainly up there with the best performers at the Euros. His teammates Yamal and Williams have also been amazing.
