Ruben Dias potentially understands Rodri’s game like not even many of his teammates at Manchester City do.
Dias has been playing behind the Spanish international for three full seasons at City now.
When Rodri returns to the starting line-up for Manchester City, the pair will play together once again.
Considering the proximity between both players on the pitch, especially when Pep Guardiola’s men are defending, they likely communicate with each other constantly.
Dias once praised Rodri for being excellent both in and out of possession and stepping up for the Sky Blues when they are met by adversity.
Dias is known to be quite vocal at the back and often, he would be directing Rodri on how to anchor the back four.
Furthermore, the £180,000-a-week man has witnessed the former Atletico Madrid technician’s growth as a defensive midfielder over the years.
Whether that is as a player or as a character on and off the pitch during his time at Manchester City, Dias needs no introduction to Rodri in footballing terms.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Dias has his say on Man City teammate winning the Ballon d’Or
The same can be said about the 28-year-old’s view about the former Benfica defender.
The latter seems to be in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or after having yet another incredible season at City where he won the Premier League while not only winning Euro 2024 but also taking home the Player of the Tournament award.
The midfield maestro well and truly had a year to remember.
The prestigious award will be handed on 28th October.
Dias has now had his say on Rodri potentially winning the Ballon d’Or.
The 27-year-old was quoted by journalist Mike Minay: “I think obviously, he has got a good chance [of winning it]. We are all behind him and it would make us very happy for him to win it… We are all rooting for him and it would be a special moment if he wins it.”
“Obviously, what Rodri has done with Spain is also important for it but what we’ve all done together means a lot and puts a lot of weight behind his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.”
Recently, Guardiola claimed Rodri deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.
Rodri looks like the Ballon d’Or favourite
The decorated midfielder looks like the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.
Whether Rodri ends up winning the award or not is a mystery, as the likes of Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden to name a few also had world-class campaigns.
But usually, in calendar years where players especially triumph at international level, the chips seem to be in their favour when it comes to winning the accolade.
Lionel Messi and Fabio Cannavaro’s Ballon d’Or wins in 2023 and 2006 respectively were examples of how their World Cup triumphs coupled with their tremendous displays meant they had the edge over the rest.
The treble-winner will be hoping that his success, not just for Spain but for Manchester City means he ends up taking home the Ballon d’Or.
A player plying his trade in the Premier League is yet to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 when he was at Manchester United and Rodri could be in line to make history.
