When Manchester City or the Spanish team have a strong Rodri in the squad, the biggest difference that their teammates feel is not only his ability to defend without the ball, but also his absolute confidence when holding the ball.
Everyone understands that Rodri can be trusted when passing the ball in all situations, in any position on the pitch. Everything started smoothly from his feet. With Rodri present, even the goalkeeper can confidently pass the ball into the middle for him.
In contrast, when the midfielder is absent, players are forced to move wide or pass more long balls, causing the entire operation of the team to change.
That is what made Spain extremely worried when Rodri was injured in the EURO 2024 final against England, then continued to have problems in the Man City shirt just a few weeks later.
The tension has spread to all levels of management, partly due to the lack of dependence on the 29-year-old player. Senior leaders of Spanish football were present, some even expressed disappointment on the spot.
This makes many people uncomfortable, especially in the Basque region (Spain). The problem became even more serious when it almost fueled a fierce debate.
But then England and the world had to mention the name Martin Zubimendi. He convincingly took on the role of Rodri's replacement, helping Spain deploy a smooth play, winning the EURO 2024 final.
Since that final, Zubimendi has immediately become the name that every big team has been looking forward to. Liverpool took a quick action just a few weeks after the EURO 2024 final. A year later, Arsenal officially owned him, although at that time the interest from Real Madrid and even Man City had not given up.
In particular, Man City has long considered Zubimendi as a perfect successor to Rodri. This became even more urgent after the Spaniard's long-term anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Now, the two are likely to face each other directly at the Emirates this weekend. Zubimendi is no longer considered a backup option, but is expected to prove that he is equal to, or even superior to Rodri. That is certainly a big challenge, because the Man City midfielder was considered a master in this position before being injured.
In fact, Zubimendi has taken over Rodri's role in the Spanish national team. So much so that Rodri's recovery process now includes the battle to regain the starting position before the 2026 World Cup. Who can control the midfield at the Emirates may have the key to deciding the match. And who knows, it will be the Premier League championship race.
In general, Zubimendi still does not possess a diverse skill set like Rodri. Rodri has the ability to regain the ball that was thought to be lost, thereby almost taking control away from the opponent. This is the biggest challenge Zubimendi has to overcome.
And it is worth noting how manager Mikel Arteta will exploit his strength in the Arsenal system.
Both Rodri and Zubimendi can create perfect long-range shots. If Rodri had made Everton regretful with a big drop shot, Zubimendi also left his mark with a beautiful volley against Nottingham Forest.
It is pure technique, the extension of accuracy in their passes. However, Zubimendi's spontaneous volley could also suggest a difference, even an extension of civilization.
Rodri and Sergio Busquets are clear models in Zubimendi's development. But besides that, there is also a special teacher of Zubimendi. That is Xabi Alonso - who used to lead the B team of Real Sociedad.
Alonso has repeatedly told his student to apply more "vertical" measures, which means they need to know how to make long passes. In simple terms, instead of passing across or back to keep the ball safe, Zubimendi should pass or lead the ball towards the opponent's goal, with fastness and directness.
Arsenal soon realized this. Zubimendi could surprise opponents by changing from a smooth pass to a delicate curve. Noni Madueke is one of the most prominent beneficiaries of that ability.
