A statistic has come to light that further indicates why Rodri was excellent for Spain at Euro 2024.
The injured number 16 for Manchester City would have been delighted to see how well Martin Zubimendi fared after replacing him at half-time in his nation’s 2-1 win against England in the final — passing and carrying the ball in a similar vein to his side’s vice-captain.
How seamlessly Spain played even without Rodri and the substitution of Alvaro Morata when Mikel Oyarzabal replaced him was proof that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole when it comes to this team. No wonder Luis de la Fuente led his country to European Championship glory; doing a remarkable tactical job throughout the tournament.
The Manchester City maestro would have been gutted not to have been able to play throughout the course of the game and lead Spain to victory.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Stat proves Rodri was outstanding for Spain at Euro 2024
However, at the end of the day, the hard pill that the 28-year-old was forced to swallow after clutching his hamstring at half-time would have been worth the agony as the Spanish won their fourth European Championship.
England, on other other hand are yet to win the competition as their 58-year long wait for international success continues.
Luis de la Fuente’s side were not fancied to win the competition in the build-up to the tournament but when top players like the four-time Premier League winner produce the goods, it is hard to contend with such a footballing giant.
As per WhoScored.com, Rodri won possession 41 times at Euro 2024.
The only player to have done so on more at the tournament was his Spanish teammate and partner in midfield, Fabian Ruiz (46).
Rodri played his heart out for Spain
Coming off the back of a season where Rodri started 49 games for Manchester City across all competitions, it would have been understandable if he was exhausted by the time Euro 2024 began.
In the season before, the treble-winner started in 51 games across all competitions for City and when players play as much football as he has, a decline in their physical fitness starts to become evident.
However, Rodri put any feelings of fatigue — both physical and mental aside to help Spain taste glory in Germany.
The statistics as well as witnessing the Spanish international’s displays are an indicator of his winning mentality and unbridled passion for playing at the highest level.
