I am amazed to watch Rodri captained Spain to World Cup glory and won the Golden Ball, the award given to the tournament's best player. His commanding performances had already caught the global attention. Yet the contribution he made in stopping Argentina registering a shot on target in the final and before that in Spain's comprehensive 2-0 victory over France in the semi-final really stood out. It was not just his quality on the ball and his understanding of the game. Despite his injury, Rodri opted against strengthening his leg muscles via weight training, believing, as some best sportspeople do, that the best way to recover is through playing matches. If anything, the better he plays, the less noticeable his individual contributions become, the paradox of a player who quietly maintains the team structure so that others can thrive. When he is on his game, passing sequences are seamless, and the opposition are boxed in, unable to escape as he hoovers up the loose balls. (www.beinsports.com>2026-fifa-world-cup<)
Spain have nominated possession and conceded just once along the way to their second World Cup trophy. Rodri has played almost every minute, a surefire sign that he is operating close to his imperious best. He was always going to the hub of the team, given his strong relationship with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. He made Spain Under-19 debut in 2015 when Fuente was in charge, and they also won the 2015 European Under-19 Championship together, as well as being together at under-21 level. Meaning there is a great chemistry for both of them on and off the pitch. (www.sports.yahoo.com>why-rodri-won-2026-world-cup-golden-ball<)
No player in World Cup history has completed more than his 756 passes in a single tournament, while he has carried the ball further than anyone else. He can read the game really well; he always knows when to press. His positioning is always excellent to counter-press and win the ball back immediately. That is the Spanish principle. They all know that in 2 or 3 seconds after losing the ball.
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