"He’s got a real calm authority about him" - Rio Ferdinand names EURO 2024 star as the most valuable player in the world
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand heaped praise on Spain midfielder Rodri ahead of the UEFA EURO 2024 final on Sunday, July 14. He hailed the Manchester City midfielder's ability to conduct a game and his calmness.
Rodri has been a key player for Spain and City in recent years. The defensive midfielder has been excellent at breaking down the opposition's attacks and keeping things ticking for his side in the middle. He's featured for Spain in five games at EURO 2024 and also scored a goal.
La Roja are now set to face England in the final on Sunday in Berlin. Ahead of the game, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand heaped praise on Rodri, saying (via Metro):
"Rodri is the best conductor in the game. I actually think he’s the most valuable player right now in football.
"Rodri is just above everybody. He almost looks like the teacher on the pitch and everyone else are pupils, that’s how it feels to me. He’s got a real calm authority about him."
Overall, Rodri has made 55 appearances for Spain and also contributed four goals and two assists.
At club level, he joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has made 257 appearances for them so far. He's won four Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy, among other honors.
Dani Carvajal on Real Madrid potentially signing Rodri ahead of EURO 2024 final
Spain and Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal recently gave an interview after La Roja's 2-1 win over France in the EURO 2024 semi-final. He was asked about Rodri and he said that he often tells the midfielder to join Los Blancos.
Carvajal said (via Managing Madrid):
“I tell Rodri every day to sign for Real Madrid. I tell him every day to leave Manchester, that there is no sun there and to come to Madrid that we need him. He tells me he has a contract, but he would be perfect for us.”
Rodri's current contract with Manchester City expires in 2027 and as per Transfermarkt, his market value is €120 million. Real Madrid are unlikely to spend this big an amount, especially when they have the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in their ranks.