Anne Wong
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is making waves in the football world, with only one defeat for club or country in the past 18 months. This remarkable achievement has positioned him as potentially the most influential player globally. But how did Rodri transform from a ‘disaster’ to a ‘winning machine’?
The Midfield Maestro
Rodri had big shoes to fill when he joined Manchester City, stepping into a role previously held by Fernandinho, one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders. However, Rodri has not only filled those shoes but reshaped the position entirely.
He’s now mentioned alongside legends like Roy Keane and Claude Makelele, known for his passing in the opposition half rather than just defensive duties. But his journey wasn’t always smooth.
In his first season, Rodri himself described it as a ‘disaster.’ Adjusting to new responsibilities and understanding the team’s dynamics took time. He learned to adapt, communicating strategic changes effectively on the pitch. Today, his transformation is nothing short of impressive.
Rodri’s Impact on Manchester City
Since Rodri’s debut in 2019, City’s performance stats have seen a significant difference when he’s on the pitch. The team lost 24% of matches without him compared to just 11% with him.
His role has evolved under Pep Guardiola’s leadership, breaking up opposition attacks and creating opportunities for teammates like Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne. Rodri’s importance is clear – he’s the metronome in City’s midfield.
A Record-Breaking Season
Rodri’s stats in Europe’s top five leagues are remarkable. He leads in passes, successful passes in the opposition half, and passes ending in the final third.
Only Declan Rice surpasses Rodri in possession won. This season, Rodri scored crucial goals, including one in the Champions League final, securing the Treble for City.
Commentators now argue he’s not only filled Fernandinho’s shoes but has surpassed other City legends like Yaya Toure. His influence on the pitch is undeniable.
A Winning Streak
Rodri’s winning streak is nothing short of incredible. The FA Cup final loss to Manchester United ended a run of 75 matches without defeat for Rodri at club level.
In league games, he remains unbeaten in 51 matches, the longest current streak in Europe’s top leagues. His importance to City is further underlined by their performance stats with and without him.
Rodri’s Role for Spain
Rodri isn’t just a star for City; he’s also crucial for Spain. He was named the best player at Euro 2024, having helped Spain lift the trophy by beating England in the final.
His form for Spain is just as impressive, with an unbeaten run since March 2023. Rodri’s performances are consistent whether playing for club or country.
Is Rodri the Best in the World?
The Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world’s best player, will be announced on October 28, and Rodri is a strong contender. He’s the bookmakers’ second favorite behind Vinicius Jr.
No defensive midfielder has won the award since 1990, but Rodri’s case is compelling. His intelligence and decisiveness on the field set him apart. He’s City’s best shot at the prestigious award.
Rodri’s dream of winning the Ballon d’Or reflects his understanding of his unique role. He believes football’s beauty can be seen in different roles, not just in scoring goals.
Rodri’s Legacy
Rodri’s journey from a ‘disaster’ to a ‘winning machine’ is a testament to his hard work and adaptability. His impact on Manchester City and Spain is immense and undeniable.
Whether he wins the Ballon d’Or or not, Rodri has already cemented his legacy as one of the best. His story continues to inspire, showcasing the power of transformation and dedication.
Rodri’s evolution from a shaky start to becoming a pivotal player for Manchester City and Spain is a remarkable journey. His intelligence, adaptability, and consistent performance make a strong case for him being the best in the world. Whether he wins the Ballon d’Or or not, Rodri’s legacy is already secure.
