Spanish press left impressed after midfield general's dominant display
Rodri's patchy club form has been quickly forgotten after the Manchester City midfielder produced a commanding performance for Spain in their World Cup round of 16 win over Austria on Thursday.
The 30-year-old has struggled with fitness since returning from a long-term injury that kept him out for most of the 2024-25 campaign. He made only 17 Premier League starts last season, sparking questions about his future amid reported interest from Real Madrid.
Against Ralf Rangnick's Austria, however, the old Rodri was back. Partnered with Barcelona's Pedri in midfield, the duo dominated the centre of the park, barely allowing the Austrians a look at goal.
Spanish outlet AS handed Rodri two stars — though he might have easily joined the four Spain players who earned three. Goal gave him a 7/10 rating, noting he was "metronomic at the base of midfield" and made "a big intervention to cut out a rare Austrian foray forward."
The stats back up the praise. Rodri took more touches than anyone else on the pitch (108), completed 92 per cent of his passes, created two chances, made five tackles and six recoveries, and won 75 per cent of his ground duels. He was dribbled past twice — a small concern for Enzo Maresca, perhaps, but understandable given his age and recent injury history.
Rodri rarely completed a full 90 minutes in the final weeks of the 2025-26 season. At this tournament, he looks to have rediscovered his rhythm. That will be welcome news for his manager, particularly with Elliot Anderson already through the door at the Etihad.