Rodri has faced no less criticism in Spain after a 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester City midfielder is said to be rotating the ball too slowly and must bear part of the responsibility for the team's lackluster performance.
However, coach Luis de la Fuente immediately spoke out to defend his student: "I feel really offended when people say that about the best player in the world. Even when only reaching 50% of his form, Rodri is still better than most other midfielders. He brings clarity, vision and balance. Rodri is our inspiration".
Six consecutive victories afterwards show that De la Fuente is completely right. After the early stages of the tournament not reaching high form, Rodri gradually regained the familiar image of a top-notch central midfielder in the world. If not considered the best player in the world, Rodri is still considered the number one central midfielder today.
Last season was not easy for Rodri when he returned after a anterior cruciate ligament injury. The long break time made the 30-year-old midfielder need more time to regain his ball feeling.
Right from October last year, Pep Guardiola predicted that: "I told him that after 6, 7 or 8 months of absence, he cannot immediately return to the Rodri of the past. The time Rodri will reach his best form will be at the World Cup with the Spanish national team".
The reality is happening exactly as the Man City head coach said. Although Spain's strength lies in collective play, Rodri is still the most important link in the midfield. He is the one who connects the lines, regulates the pace and brings balance to the whole team on the journey to the final against Argentina.
The numbers also reflect Rodri's influence. This midfielder has made 655 passes at the 2026 World Cup, the most in the tournament. He has 62 passes into the area of one-third of the opponent's field, the highest achievement at the World Cup since Toni Kroos set a similar milestone with the German national team in 2014.
In the context of Spain controlling an average of 64% of the ball per game, Rodri is the player who touches the ball and makes about 20% more passes than any other player in the league.
Not only excellent at holding the ball, Rodri is also a reliable stopper in defense. He is in the group of players with the most tackles in the league, and often regains control in the midfield area and the opponent's half.
In the victory over France in the semi-finals, Rodri won 11 out of 15 tackles, including four aerial battles, contributing to helping Spain completely control the midfield.
The midfielder born in 1996 also played 627 out of a total of 630 minutes possible at the 2026 World Cup, proving his fitness and admirable endurance.
In the context of only one year left on his contract with Man City and the future still undecided, Rodri is proving his value in the most convincing way.
With only one more match left, the 30-year-old midfielder has the opportunity to complete his spectacular comeback with the World Cup championship with the Spanish national team.
