Rodri Shines vs Austria

Rodri has quickly forgotten his subpar Manchester City performances during the 2025-26 campaign with his impressive display vs Austria on 2 July.

He helped Spain reach the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.

Rodri partnered Barcelona's Pedri in the middle of the field, and the duo were unstoppable, barely giving the Austrians a sniff of the ball in 90 minutes.

The 30-year-old has seriously struggled with his fitness since suffering a long-term injury in 2024-25, one which saw him miss most of the season.

He made just 17 Premier League starts last term, raising questions over his future at the Etihad Stadium, certainly amid interest from Real Madrid.

Stefan Borson has already told Football Insider that he expects Rodri to join the Spanish giants on a free transfer next summer, but fans are focused on the here and now.

Rodri's stats come up as one of the best on the field, having taken the most touches of anyone with 108.

He remained calm under pressure, completing 92 per cent of his passes, while creating two chances, making five tackles and six recoveries, and winning 75 per cent of his ground duels.

Goal awarded a 7 out of 10 rating, writing: "Metronomic at the base of midfield, and made a big intervention to cut out a rare Austrian foray forward."

With only four players being given three stars, AS awarded Rodri with two stars, but the Man City midfielder could have easily joined his teammates.

Rodri rarely completed a full 90 minutes in the final few games of the 2025-26 campaign, but at this tournament, he appears to have rediscovered his mojo.

That will be music to Enzo Maresca's ears.

While Elliot Anderson has already joined, it looks as though Sandro Tonali is set for Tottenham Hotspur instead.

Maresca may be slightly concerned about Rodri being dribbled past twice, but at his age and after such a big injury, it is only natural for him to lose a bit of pace.

That is exactly why Anderson will be the perfect partner for him in the middle of the park, given his ability to glide across the pitch last season.

And with Rodri's current form, he might just prove to be a vital part of Spain's World Cup campaign.