Rodri is undoubtedly one of the best holding midfielders in the world, but when he returns to Manchester City after the 2022 World Cup, he will be able to add a completely different position to his CV.
City sent five central defenders to the tournament in Qatar, and all have impressed. John Stones has been near faultless for England, Ruben Dias has been solid for Portugal, Manuel Akanji's stock has continued to rise while representing Switzerland and Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte have impressed for the Netherlands and Spain respectively. However, when the round of 16 gets underway there will be six centre-backs in action who play their club football at the Etihad Stadium.
The numbers don't add up, but that is because Rodri has partnered Laporte at the back for Spain. For any other nation he would be the starting number six, but when Sergio Busquets is your teammate, it's a tough call.
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In Spain's opening two group games coach Luis Enrique opted to start Busquets in midfield and push Rodri back into defence. The desire to fit both into the team - plus the inconsistent form of other centre-back options Eric Garcia and Pau Torres - made the decision a logical one.
It's certainly worked so far for Spain; la Roja demolished Costa Rice 7-0 in their opening game before playing out a tactically enthralling 1-1 draw with Germany. They controlled the opening stages of the latter, as Rodri's on-the-ball ability helped his side dominate possession and build attacks.
While Rodri has on occasion filled in at centre-back for City, the experience of doing so at a World Cup will only improve his understanding of the role and the confidence of Guardiola that he can do so again should the need arise. According to Laporte, Rodri has been keen to take on as much information as he can from his new positional partner.
"Intelligent, he knows how to adapt," Laporte said of the 26-year-old when speaking to the Guardian. "It’s different for him [playing at centre-back for Spain]. He seeks advice, asks a lot of questions; all very natural. We’ve only let in one and I hope there aren’t any more.
"Basically, I answer the questions he asks. 'Do I step out? When do we drop? Do I have to go with the striker when he runs into the space? Do I hold? Do I follow? Do I step out with the ball?' He asks lots: being firm, decision-making, with the ball, without. I try help as best I can."
Understandably, for a player taking up a new position in a high-stakes environment, Rodri hasn't been perfect. While Costa Rica provided little by way of pressure on the Spanish back-line - they could have progressed the ball up field with their eyes closed - Germany did cause them issues.
In the second half of that draw, Hansi Flick's side started targeting the City man, forcing him to face his own goal and run by playing balls in behind him. The build-up for Niclas Fullkrug's equaliser saw Rodri and Laporte get their positioning a little mixed up, something that might not have happened if Rodri had years of experience playing in defence. Against teams like Liverpool, Newcastle and Brighton, who aren't afraid to attack City and press, he might struggle.
That said, should a freak situation unfold where three or more of City's centre-backs are unavailable at the same time - it happened in August, hence City went out and signed Akanji - Rodri has proved he would be a more than adequate replacement against most sides. With Kalvin Phillips fit again and available to deputise in midfield, Guardiola can be assured that he now has a sixth centre-back option if it is required.
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