Spain's progress in the World Cup is being watched closely at Manchester City, though not purely for patriotic reasons.
Rodri is set to feature for Spain in their round-of-32 tie against Austria on Thursday, 2 July at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood. The winner moves into the last 16.
The midfielder has already captained his country at this tournament, playing 86 minutes in the opening 0-0 draw with Cape Verde. Another knockout fixture means more minutes in legs that City would rather see rested.
For Enzo Maresca, this is not a panic issue. It is a planning issue.
Rodri remains City's cleanest route to tempo, counter-pressing balance and territorial control. Spain's possession-based style relies on the same qualities — repeated passing control, positional discipline and the ability to snuff out counter-attacks before they develop.
That is precisely why Maresca will be watching closely. Every extra knockout minute keeps City's most important midfielder inside a high-stress summer rhythm.
The concern is straightforward: City need Rodri fresh enough to help Maresca install his first pre-season ideas. Spain's progress could delay that process and shorten his recovery window.
This tie has become more than a national-team checkpoint. It is another reminder that Maresca's first Manchester City plan may depend on how quickly his midfield anchor returns.