A week ago, he played a vital role in the final of the Champions League, found the back of the Inter Milan net and brought Manchester City the much-desired “Ol’ Big Ears.” After the Champions League and parading through the streets of Manchester, Rodri boarded the plane, joined the Spanish national team and was a silent hero in the semi-finals.He was not a man of decision again, this time he did not hit the target. But, he fought hard in the midfield trenches, spoiled the game of the Italians, made it difficult for them and initiated the plays of the Red Fury. There may not have been a concrete, easily tangible performance in the form of a goal or an assist, but there will be time for that too. The Spanish national team have a big final of the UEFA Nations League ahead of them, and Rodri showed he can handle matches of such gravitas.##NAJAVA_MECA_7326267##Rodri was declared the man of the match against the Italians. It is certain that in the battle for the trophy who will end up with the cup will depend a lot on his performance.”We must not let this opportunity slip away. It is not easy to reach the final. We have been without a trophy for too long. Italy is one of the toughest opponents in the world, that’s why you saw us celebrating like that at the end. We want to win this trophy”, said the Manchester City midfielder and announced the showpiece against Croatia in the Nations League.”Croatia always want to compete and compete. I remember the match we played with them at the last EURO. We defeated them in extra time, because we had the winning stance. We have to go out on Sunday with the same winning attitude and not let this fantastic chance that is in front of us pass us by.”Rodri’s game by numbers vs Italy:120 touches104 passes completed96% passing accuracy8 ball recoveries4 shots2 duels won0.26 xGScores the winner in the Champions League final on Saturday, qualifies for the Nations League final on Thursday. 😎 pic.twitter.com/QDTx53ZJQA— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) June 15, 2023 Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente did not hide his delight because the players followed his every idea.”The way I would describe this triumph is pleasure. And pride. We played at a really high level. I told the players before the game what I wanted, and they followed it to the letter. I saw so many talented players who brought this victory. That’s why I’m thrilled,” said de la Fuente.##NAJAVA_MECA_7326268##What has changed in Spain’s game under the command of the new coach compared to the recently ended World Cup in Qatar, where they failed with Luis Enrique?”We played against a strong opponent and that makes me optimistic. The players understood all the instructions and followed them. They believed in concepts. We were very good and that’s why we achieved a great result. It took us time, this is a process. After the defeat in Scotland, I said I saw some things I liked. But we needed training and time. Now I see how things have improved a lot. All credit goes to my players. We have exceptional footballers. No starters and no reserves – we have 23 fantastic talents. When you have that, it’s up to you to do everything to make them play their best,” the Red Fury coach concluded.Golden sub Joselu takes Spain into the UEFA Nations League final and sets up a juicy Croatia clash
