Rodri would have been gutted after witnessing Spain lose the UEFA Nations League final at the hands of Portugal on penalties.
While his teammates at Manchester City such as Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, who impressed against Spain rejoiced, Luis de la Fuente’s side looked visibly devastated after their latest defeat.
When Spain won the competition in 2023, it was Rodri who was awarded the Player of the Tournament award.
Manchester City fans were quick to emphasise the midfield maestro’s importance to the Spanish side after the contest.
Man City fans point out Rodri’s importance for Spain after Nations League loss vs Portugal
One fan pinpointed how both Manchester City and Spain could not get over the line in Rodri’s absence after Portugal won the Nations League: “Spain missed their best player. Man City missed their most important player. No Rodri, no trophies.”
Another supporter claimed that the Spaniards desperately missed the 28-year-old in the middle of the park, whose presence led them to winning the Nations League and the European Championship in successive years: “Spain won the Nations League in 2023 and the Euro in 2024. Rodri finished as the best player in both tournaments. First tournament without Rodri since his injury and already a failure, a midfield pierced and without control. The boss of Spain and Manchester City.”
A third Manchester City fan claimed that Rodri is Spain’s linchpin instead of even a phenomenon like Lamine Yamal, writing: “This is still Rodri’s Spain team. Not Yamal’s, not anyone else’s.”
A fourth supporter claimed that the former Atletico Madrid technician’s importance for club and country has been emphasised despite him missing games: “Never seen a player’s clout rise through their absence quite like Rodri. Spain and City are considerably worse without him. Best in the world.”
A fifth fan claimed that it is now clear to see that the four-time Premier League winner is both his club and country’s most key player: “Rodri is undoubtedly the most important player in Spain and Manchester City. The impact is crystal clear. My Ballon d’Or winner.”
Finally, a sixth fan stated that Rodri should win the Ballon d’Or again for having the impact he has had on both Manchester City and Spain: “The real Ballon d’Or winner should be Rodri for making City and Spain look this pitiful through his absence. Proven he’s the world’s best.”
The Spanish international would appreciate that his hard work is getting recognised but being the serial winner he is, the Champions League winner would have much rather witnessed his country triumph.
How Rodri performed in Spain’s Nations League final win vs Croatia
Pedri has noted Rodri’s influence on Spain and he might also admit that his side missed the Manchester City legend’s poise and winning mentality against Portugal in the Nations League final, as the Sky Blues fans pinpointed.
The last time the Spaniards played in the final of the competition against Croatia in 2023, they came out on top and the silky technician won the Man of the Match award.
Marc Cucurella highlighted Rodri’s importance for Spain by mentioning how he “controls everything” when he is on the pitch.
Next season, Rodri will be keen to remind the world why he is well and truly a phenomenon.
