It’s interesting how Spain embodies the essence of football, especially with a standout player this World Cup who hasn’t contributed any goals or assists. Rodri plays so deep in the midfield that many might overlook his impact during the game.
In contrast to Lionel Messi, whose achievements are celebrated and discussed in awe across the globe, Rodri might just be the most underrated Ballon d’Or winner around.
Yet, that’s part of Spain’s allure. They head into Sunday’s World Cup final with a chance to dethrone Argentina and cap off a remarkable journey to the title.
The collective nature of La Roja shines through in their playstyle—dominating matches with persistent ball control and counter-pressing, often winning by scores that don’t reflect their superiority.
According to WhoScored, Rodri has touched the ball over 100 times in six matches during this World Cup, while the next closest player, Leandro Paredes from Argentina, has only done so three times. Rodri excels in duels, keeps the ball moving, and embraces a style of play that lacks flash. Yet it perfectly encapsulates his team’s philosophy.
“I remember hearing at the start of the tournament that I might not be playing,” said Rodri, who only recently returned to form after an ACL injury ended his Manchester City season early. “Now that I’m fit again, I try to keep my expectations in check. I’ve always had faith in my abilities.”
“One key aspect of my game is to ensure precision in my passing and maintain possession safely. I’m pleased with my growth. For me, the most important thing in this tournament is our collective improvement as a team. We can always do better.”
Interestingly, this sentiment echoes what Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente has been saying, even after their decisive semifinal win over France. He emphasizes the need for constant progress.
On Friday, de la Fuente, who has an apparent fascination with the Roman Empire, cited a quote from Marcus Aurelius’s *Reflections*: “What does not benefit the hive benefits neither the bees.”
He remarked, “Players need to focus on collective efforts; this unity makes us stronger. It’s a lesson that should always be remembered.”
As other teams like England and Switzerland can attest, Spain will need to leverage their strengths to take on Argentina, a side that’s quite a challenge to overcome. While Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Fabian Ruiz form a strong trio capable of controlling play, Argentina brings physicality and passion—much of it surrounding Messi—that no other team quite matches.
“Argentina is so much more than just Messi,” Rodri pointed out. “They’ve shown themselves to be a well-rounded team with exceptional players.”
This is certainly valid; it’s easy to overlook Messi’s teammates while focusing on his individual brilliance. But still, he stands as a central figure, embodying an emotional spirit that contrasts with Spain’s approach.
“Words hardly capture what Messi means as a player or to Argentina,” Rodri reflected. “For me, he’s the greatest of all time. He’s a leader who has guided the national team through various challenges.”
