As Rodri eases his way back from a cruciate ligament injury, the Manchester City midfielder has said that Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi is the man ready to carry Spain forward.
Speaking to the press, the Ballon d’Or winner admitted his individual accolade could not offset the pain of missing the majority of last season. “The injury is much more significant than the Ballon d’Or. It was a breath of fresh air at a time when I was having a really hard time. I’m happy for the recognition, but it’s of no use to me,” Rodri said before Spain’s World Cup qualifier in Turkey.
Now fit again and back in the squad, he says he welcomes the challenge posed by Arsenal’s £50 million summer signing.
“He’s a great player. He has the discipline and mentality that can lead him to become one of the best, if he isn’t already,” Rodri said. “I spoke to him the other day and told him it was his time, that I was leaving him the keys to the team.”
Zubimendi’s arrival at Arsenal has already shifted expectations in the Premier League, and his influence at international level under Luis de la Fuente is growing.
Rodri, who returned for half an hour against Bulgaria, acknowledged as much. “He’s been at an incredible level and I’m happy to see the team at the same level,” he added.
De la Fuente confirmed the 29-year-old is “in perfect condition” and ready to start if required, but Rodri’s words underline where Spain’s long-term future lies.