Rodri is the next target of Real Madrid after they brought in a series of quality names such as Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva or Ibrahima Konate.
After winning the 2026 World Cup and winning the Golden Ball of the tournament, Rodri has completed his collection of titles and become one of the best defensive midfielders in history.
What Rodri has shown at Man City and the Spanish national team in the past 4 years is enough for no one to deny the world's number 1 level in the defensive midfielder position. Not only does he have a widespread influence across the pitch, Rodri also possesses remarkable stats to make his profile convincing to any demanding expert.
Among all players in the previous season in the Premier League who played more than 900 minutes, Rodri had the highest average number of passes per 90 minutes (96.3).
The 30-year-old midfielder is likened to a stabilizer in Man City's midfield, helping the whole team play fast or slow in many situations but always maintaining the connection of 3 lines.
Therefore, in the past season, when Rodri was out due to injury, Man City struggled very hard in the two-horse race with Arsenal and often ran out of steam at times when opponents seemed exhausted.
Another important point Real Madrid really wants Rodri is his ability to maintain stable form in big matches. The 2026 World Cup was the clearest proof when he returned and maintained his peak form in the knockout matches against Portugal, Belgium, France and Argentina.
Since Toni Kroos and Luka Modric left Bernabeu in turn, Real Madrid has not been able to find a worthy replacement. Los Blancos have placed their trust in Jude Bellingham, but the English midfielder is not the type of player who creates and controls the rhythm. Watching Bellingham shine at the World Cup, Jose Mourinho certainly does not want him to play against his forte, so the role left by Kroos and Modric needs someone like Rodri to take over.
Last season, when led by Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid had difficulty finding a shield for the defense. The people assigned this responsibility, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, were both in poor form. As for Rodri, he has the best ability to do this in Europe.
Regarding personal relationships, it is not yet possible to confirm that Rodri and Jose Mourinho will become a harmonious couple at Real Madrid, but the Spanish midfielder is a Special One player that is in great need at this time.
Previously, the Portuguese strategist did not build clubs based on the philosophy of ball control. On the contrary, Mourinho wanted to organize a solid squad when there was no ball to regain and counter-attack. However, times have changed, if they cannot hold the ball at their feet, Real Madrid will currently suffer a lot if they face big opponents like PSG, Barcelona... who prefer this playing style.
When needing to play control, Rodri will help Real Madrid like he still does at Man City and the Spanish national team.
Even in the event that Mourinho wants to return to the old playing style focusing on counter-attacks, Rodri can also do well.
He often chooses a very good position when the defense system clears the ball, thereby receiving the ball to launch a lightning attack, always maintaining the advantage in proactiveness for the home team.
Real Madrid has lost 2 seasons completely empty-handed and they need to build another real Galaticos squad. With Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and now Rodri, the Bernabeu home team is confident that they can reclaim everything they have lost.
