Real Madrid used to dislike Rodri for taking the Ballon d'Or from Vinicius Junior in 2024, but, in truth, it was unfair to blame the Manchester City star for what the voters chose. And Rodri this year said that he respects Vini to the highest degree and that the Brazilian would have been his Ballon d'Or pick that year, burying that hatchet while he openly made it known that he wants to move to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer before his contract runs out.
Perhaps Rodri will be a topic for Real Madrid next year, but, so far, the White House has kept its doors closed and locked to the Man City man. Even though Rodri has been dominating this World Cup for Spain, Real Madrid have not opened its doors to the Spanish star, even as players behind the scenes are wonering about the fit and upgrade he could provide - and even after Rodri dominated Aurelien Tchouameni and the French national team in a 2-0 semifinal victory.
But once again, Rodri sent new Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who seemed more into Mateus Fernandes and Enzo Fernandez even back when the Royal Whites were looking at a defensive midfield signing, a deafening message.
Rodri is Jose Mourinho's best option
Rodri destroyed Enzo and Argentina, completing well over 100 passes with nearly flawless accuracy as Spain were in full command of Argentina. The 30 year old midfielder bossed the game and embarrassed Argentina into submission, even creating two chances, progressing the ball well, and winning a team high four tackles.
Contrary to what Real Madrid are worried about, Rodri was not vulnerable on the counter, and his weight of passing and ability to distribute the ball was impeccable, opening up so much for the Spanish attack, especially the wingers. On the same pitch as Pedri and the others, Rodri was clearl ya titan of the game in comparison.
Jose Mourinho has to take this message from Rodri seriously, because whether it is this year or next year, a move for the defensive midfielder would be warranted and the 30 year old, who still has a whole lot left in the tank and has nothing holding him back from the torn ACL, would be the best option in the Madrid midfield. He made Tchouameni look weak, Enzo and Alexis Mac Allister look useless, and he is the official Golden Ball of the World Cup for the champions.
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