Impact of Rodri as a Defensive Midfield
Former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes Rodri deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
He thinks Rodri has changed how people see the role of a holding midfielder. Rodri had an amazing 2023-24 season with Manchester City and Spain. The Spaniard helped City win the Premier League again and was named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 where Spain took home their fourth European title.
The Spaniard played 50 games for City across all competitions last season and scored eight goals and provided nine assists.
City only lost one of those matches which was the FA Cup final against Manchester United. In Euro 2024, Rodri was ranked high for open-play passes showing his skill in keeping control of the game.
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Fierce Competition for the Ballon d’Or Award
Lucas acknowledges the tough competition Rodri faces for the Ballon d’Or. He mentions Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior as strong contenders. Lucas told Stats Perform:
“A midfield player, especially a holding midfield player, normally it is not a position that people look at so much. But it is an important role for the team. It’s a position where you give balance to the team. You allow people to get forward, but you also give protection to the defence. You start everything from that role.”
He praised Rodri’s influence at both Manchester City and Spain comparing him to Sergio Busquets.
Lucas believes that while Bellingham and Vinicius also deserve recognition, seeing a holding midfielder like Rodri in the spotlight is a positive change. Lucas further added saying:
“We will have to wait and see. But I’m happy to see a holding midfielder on the shortlist because it’s a position that people don’t look at too much. People are starting to appreciate it a little bit more.”
Rodri’s performances have shown that holding midfielders can be key players in a team’s success. As the Ballon d’Or announcement approaches, fans will be eager to see if Rodri’s efforts are rewarded.