Rodri is one of the finest defensive midfielders in the modern game, a Spaniard whose positional intelligence, passing and calm under pressure make him the fulcrum of the sides he plays for. He controls tempo with a rare authority, breaking up opposition attacks and launching his own team’s with equal assurance.
At Manchester City he has been central to a period of unprecedented dominance, including the treble-winning campaign in which he scored the decisive goal in the Champions League final. His influence was recognised with the Ballon d’Or, and he anchored Spain’s midfield to European Championship glory. Understated but indispensable, he is a controlling midfielder of the highest order.