At some stage, we anticipate the comeback of Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, affectionately known as Rodri. He’s been absent from Manchester City’s Premier League line-up since the concluding match of the previous season. In this game, Rodri netted City’s third goal against West Ham, securing the squad’s fourth sequential victory – a feat without prior equal. It was greatly admired by all, the outstanding performance of Rodri throughout the season. Similarly, the previous four seasons showcased impressive performances, a claim that was universally agreed upon.
Rodri’s appearance in the FA Cup final was just as unusual as Manchester City’s and Manchester United’s. After this, Rodri proceeded to participate in Euro 2024, displaying remarkable skill even amongst the mesmerising Spanish team members Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Rodri’s finale was certainly peculiar, seeing him withdrawn after the half-time break, but his efforts before this secured him the title of Player of the Tournament. Following a detour into Gibraltar politics, he embarked on a holiday, by-passing City’s US summer tour and only re-emerged last Sunday, playing 60 minutes in Spain’s triumphant 4-1 victory over Switzerland.
Now back in Manchester, Rodri’s presence at Wednesday’s training was an uplifting sight for City supporters and Pep Guardiola, but a dreaded one for opposing Premier League teams. Rodri re-joins Manchester City undefeated, leading the league and facing four matches in three different tournaments over the course of 11 days – all matches to be hosted in their home turf.
They go up against Brentford this afternoon; next Wednesday sees them face Internazionale in the Champions League – the team against which Rodri delivered the decisive goal in the 2023 final; then wounded Arsenal visits next Sunday; and finally, they’re up against Watford in the League Cup. Besides the final match, Rodri’s reappearance is expected to be significant. Standing out even in a quartet arguably boasting impressive players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Ederson and many more, Rodri has proven to be a different league altogether. Could he be the best player in Europe? He very well might be.
The physical prowess of Rodri, who stands at 6ft 3in and weighs 13st, makes it challenging for him to go unnoticed. However, it appears that our shared recognition of his talents has only sprouted recently. It was just last year that he was named on the 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist for the first time, where he secured fifth place, with two of his Manchester City teammates, Haaland and De Bruyne, ranked higher. This year, with the announcement of the award to come next month, Rodri has been nominated again, and it seems likely that his ranking will increase.
Confirmation of this would indeed serve as an affirmation of both his personal growth and the increasing recognition of his contributions to the game. The Madrid-born 28-year-old brings what can be succinctly described as ‘central intelligence’ to his game.
Rodri had just turned 23 when he became a part of City in 2019, after spending a single season with Atletico Madrid, who finished second in La Liga. Prior to that, he balanced playing football for Villareal with studying accountancy at university.
In an enlightening article on The Players’ Tribune, Rodri shared that he resided in a shared student flat. His flatmates took some time to find out that he was the same guy who hopped on his bike every morning to go for practice when they saw him playing against Barcelona on television.
Rodri had his first taste of action for City in the Community Shield match, sharing a team with David Silva and Leroy Sane while Sergio Aguero was a substitute.
In Guardiola’s evolving team, Rodri is viewed as both a link to the past and an integral part of the future. Luckily for him, as well as City and Spain, he possesses the capacity to shoulder this responsibility.
Despite being physically robust and imposing, it is not common for Rodri to be used as a substitute or to be replaced, except in situations where City has a comfortable lead of two or three goals. During that La Liga season, he participated in 34 matches with Atletico; in his initial Premier League season, he played 35 games, followed by stretches of 34, 33, 36, and 34 games.
Not to mention his appearances in cup-ties as well as Champions League matches, frequent travels, and national team summons. In the word’s of Bill Shankly, Rodri can be aptly described as a ‘colossus’.
Rodri stands his ground and then effortlessly surpasses the rest, amidst notable companions like De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. With his unparalleled passing and positioning skills, he has evolved as a primary pillar in City’s talented moving network. Regardless of the circumstances, he is constantly prepared to take the ball, demonstrating his leadership. His dedication and involvement in every game have made him a player that all of Europe desires. His premier league record stands testimony to this, having received and passed the ball more than any other player in the past season. Guardiola’s fixation with space, recognising it, filling it, and leaving it has echoed in Rodri’s gameplay.
His leadership qualities came to light during Season 2022-23 of the “All Or Nothing” series, where he highlighted the dangers of arrogance to his co-players during the break in a match against Nottingham Forest. Despite City leading, Forest eventually levelled the score, leading to Rodri’s disappointment. Over time, Rodri has used these experiences as critical learning opportunities, contributing to his matured self-awareness and approach to the game. Recalling past adversities, such as the 2021 Champions League final against Chelsea, he admits that such defeats have prompted him to improve his gameplay.
Rodri attributes his growth and the continued push to excel to Guardiola’s mentorship. Before joining City, Sociologist Sergio Busquets had told him about Guardiola’s relentless pursuit of player improvement. Rodri still believes he has a long way to go in terms of skill development, but recognises that he’s edging closer to perfection. De Bruyne has praised Rodri’s consistency, dubbing him “the main guy” in their football approach.
As Rodri looks forward to upcoming matches and hopes for a possible fifth consecutive title, he also dreams of a Champions League final in Munich. Despite pending challenges, the Spanish professional shows no signs of stopping and will continue to push the boundaries of sporting excellence.
The inexorable advance of Real Madrid is already underway. If they are victorious, good luck to Spain and the remainder of Europe. Regarding Brentford, the City hasn’t experienced a league loss with Rodri on board since February the previous year, and he’s back in action.