Introduction
Germany’s hopes of winning UEFA Euro 2024 on home soil hinge on overcoming Spain’s midfield maestro Rodri in Friday’s blockbuster quarter-final. Since La Roja’s last competitive defeat to Scotland in March 2023, Rodri has played 77 matches for club and country, losing only once when Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final. In that period, the 28-year-old has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. He also guided Spain to Nations League glory.
Rodri’s Unmatched Consistency
Rodri’s consistency and versatility make him one of the best in his position. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who has managed some of the finest midfielders in football, said, “In his position, he is the best – he can do everything. The quality, he reads the game, his mentality, he is always ready. He is so good at many things…The presence, the physicality, he is complete.”
Spain’s Impressive UEFA Euro 2024 Run
Spain has dazzled so far at Euro 2024, being the only side to win all four of their matches en route to the quarter-finals. Wonder kid wingers Yamine Lamal and Nico Williams have given Luis de la Fuente’s side a direct threat. Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, and Dani Olmo provide extra creativity from midfield, and even the much-maligned Alvaro Morata has moved into a share of third place for the most goals in European Championship history.
Rodri’s Key Role
Rodri’s importance as the anchor to this Spanish side was evident in the last 16 against Georgia. Trailing due to an own goal despite not facing a shot on target, Spain began to falter. Just after the half-hour mark, Rodri took possession, paused, and calmed his teammates. Moments later, he scored the equalizer, launching a 4-1 victory. “Sometimes 20 or 30 seconds of saying to people ‘calm down’ is more productive than going on the attack,” Rodri said of his message of reassurance to the team.
Leadership on and off the Pitch
Although Morata wears the captain’s armband, Rodri has developed into the leader of Spain’s new generation, eager to break free from the shadow of their all-conquering predecessors. “We have Rodri, who is a perfect computer,” said De la Fuente. “He administers everything, all the emotions, all the moments in a magisterial way; that’s a great help for everyone.”
Transitioning to Midfield
Despite being one of the world’s leading lights in his position for several seasons, this is Rodri’s first major tournament as Spain’s starting six. At the 2022 World Cup, he was used as a center-back by Luis Enrique to accommodate an aging Sergio Busquets. Busquets’ international retirement marked the end of an era, allowing Rodri’s generation to write their own story.
Facing Germany
Rodri is confident about Spain’s chances against Germany. “Germany will be strong at home, but they will be worried about us too,” said the former Atletico Madrid man. “We came to win and we are not afraid. Our mentality is to go on Friday with everything we have against Germany.”
Respect from Opponents
Toni Kroos, who will retire after the tournament, showed his respect for Rodri. “I think he is someone who exudes enthusiasm, who is not prone to making mistakes, even under pressure, which always gives a lot to the team,” said Kroos. “On top of that, in the last one or two years, he has also scored goals, important goals.”
Rodri’s strike won City their first-ever Champions League in the 2023 final. Now he aims to make his major tournament breakthrough and break German hearts along the way. As Spain prepares to face Germany, all eyes will be on Rodri, the rock behind Spain’s sparkling Euro 2024 campaign. His leadership, consistency, and all-around brilliance make him a pivotal figure in Spain’s quest for glory.
