New Delhi: It was a wonderful season for the Spaniard, Rodri, who looks set to be a top contender for this year’s Ballon Do’r. Rodri has been sensational ever since he made his move from Atletico Madrid to Manchester City as his progress under Pep Guardiola was just out of this world. He is without a doubt currently the best central defensive midfielder in the world after being a crucial part of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City system. The 28-year-old defensive midfielder also had a wonderful Euro 2024 campaign, where again he played an integral part down the midfield as De la Fuente’s men lifted the UEFA Euro 2024 title.
Rodri is an important player for any team that he plays for. The Spanish midfielder has been an influential figure for Manchester City where he won his fourth premier league title. Besides the number of trophies he has won this season, The awe-inspiring Spaniard offers a lot more on the pitch. Rodri’s consistent performances are not going unnoticed as many consider him to be one of the main contentders to win this year’s Ballon D’or.
Rodri’s career path over the years
VALENCIA, SPAIN – JANUARY 08: Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, Rodri, of Villarreal CF in action during the La Liga 2017-18 match between Valencia CF and Villarreal CF at Estadio de Mestalla on 23 December 2017 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)
Rodri came up the ranks at Villareal, starting his career with Villareal’s B team. He was a solid prospect for Villareal and considering the history of Spanish midfielders, the expectations from a young Rodri were sky high. After spending three years at Villareal, making a total of 84 appearances for the Yellow Submarine, he made his move to Atletico Madrid for a fee of €20 Million. He soon became an integral part of the squad, despite spending just one season at the club. That season he played 47 matches in all competition and was a solid figure down the midfield.
He signed for Manchester City for a massive €62 Million fee in the 2019-20 season and was immediately added to the starting lineup by Pep Guardiola. His debut season was a solid one, where he made 35 league appearances and being a crucial part of their star studded squad. His next few seasons only saw him getting betting and making tremendous progress under Pep Guardiola who trusted the Spaniard and played a major role in Rodri’s evolution.
Soon he became one of the most consistent performers in the City squad and he established himself as a regular starter for Pep’s side as the seasons progressed. over the years, he has been a wonderful aspect for both, Manchester City as well as the Spanish national team playing as a defensive midfielder.
Rodri’s perfect season
Rodri has had a sensational year where many believe that he might be one of the top contenders to win the 2024 Ballon D’or. The Spaniard has been a brilliant this season as he has been an instrumental figure for his club and nation. First, the 28-year-old won the Premier League and the UEFA Super cup with Manchester City while recently he lifted the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain. When it comes to individual achievements, he was the Euro player of the campaign, 2023 FIFA club world cup golden ball, best medfielder award at the globe soccer award ceremony, and was a part of the premier league team of the season.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 11: Rodri of Manchester City celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg match between Manchester City and FC Bayern München at Etihad Stadium on April 11, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Apart from the trophies and achievements, Rodri was sensational down the midfield playing in a deep midfield role for both club and country. He was an influential figure wherever he played and he had a massive contribution his side’s success. During the premier league season, he was the most reliable player on the pitch for Pep Guardiola’s side. His contribution to the side was immense as he had the best passing accuracy of 92% in a star studded City squad. Besides, he did a fantastic job playing as a defensive midfielder as the Spaniard was spot on with his ball winning ability and making crucial interceptions and tackles down the middle of the pitch.
Rodri was named the Player of the Tournament for UEFA Euro 2024. (Photo by Oliver Hardt – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Rodri also played a crucial role in City’s attack this season, where he has scored eight times while also providing nine assists throughout the premier league campaign. Besides, his playmaking abilities have also helped City play some fluent football. He also had a wonderful Euro campaign with the Spanish side, who made history, winning the Euro 2024 campaign which was their fourth Euro title, most by any European nation. Besides, they managed to win all of their games maintaining a hundred percent win record which has never been achieved by any other nation before. Rodri proved to be a crucial figure in a young Spanish squad under Luis de la Fuente.
The Spaniard is certainly amongst the top contenders to win this season’s Ballon D’or after having a stellar campaign with his club Manchester City and Spain.
Can Rodri become the next Ballon D’or winner after a stellar Euro campaign? Let’s have a look at why Rodri is amongst the top contenders to win this seaon’s Ballon D’or. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
