Rodri was named the most valuable player of the World Cup despite recording zero goals and zero assists in the tournament, in both categories.
According to the report, the Spanish midfielder's influence on matches has nothing to do with scoring or creating chances. He is described as one of the least flashy important players in the history of the sport, yet he exercises full control over the rhythm and balance of his team and, by extension, the entire game.
His play is built on precision and geometry rather than flair, combining intelligence with an exceptional reading of the game. He is credited with redefining the position and role of the defensive midfielder in modern football.
Support from Guardiola and Mourinho
Pep Guardiola, who coached Rodri for seven years at Manchester, has strongly backed this assessment of the midfielder. José Mourinho shares the same view and once asked Real Madrid's management to sign Rodri regardless of cost.
