Juan Mata answers whether Rodri can make starting XI of Spain’s Euro 2012 winning team including Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets
Spain legend Juan Mata has spoken about Rodri's impressive work for La Roja in EURO 2024. He notably answered whether the Manchester City midfielder would be able to make the starting lineup of the Spanish side that won EURO 2012.
Notably, Juan Mata spent the entirety of that competition on the bench, until the final against Italy, when he came on to score a goal within four minutes. A midfield that included the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets hardly saw any space for Mata to make an impact.
Aside from a 1-1 draw in their first group stage game against Italy, the winning side of EURO 2012 bullied nearly every other team they faced. They had to get past Portugal on penalties in the semi-finals, before handing Italy a 4-0 beating in the final.
The current La Roja squad has shown some similarities to that EURO winning squad of 2012. They have won every single match, conceding three goals and scoring an impressive 13 across six matches. Their rock in the midfield has been Rodri, who has missed just one game due to suspension, playing nearly every single minute.
Juan Mata has spoken about Rodri's abilities and whether he would have entered that strong lineup in 2012. In a conversation with Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, he said (via YouTube):
“He could be in that [Spain] national team [from the glory days]. Like you said, right now he’s probably the most important player in Spain, of course for Manchester City he’s instrumental. He is the best player in that position in his form right now."
“Very good player and a nice guy. He’s also very important for the team outside the pitch in the dressing room for Spain with his experience and personality. [Rodri gets] in the squad [of Spain’s Euro 2012 winning team] for sure. Do you mean in the line-up? I mean, when you have Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and Xabi Alonso [it’s unlikely], he will be in the squad for sure."
Mata will be hoping his country lift EURO 2024 when they face England on July 14 at the Olympiastadion Berlin.
EURO 2024 final: Rodri will lead midfield for Spain vs England
The Spaniards will most certainly look to Rodri, who has made 55 caps for his country, to lead the midfield when they face England in Germany. The defensive midfielder has been a force for La Roja and he will likely be instrumental once more.
He notably led Manchester City to win the continental treble in 2023, and so far in his career for club and country, he has won 13 trophies. He has won the UEFA Nations League with Spain, and he will be looking to add the EUROs to that.
While the Spaniards have Rodri, they will need to be wary about England's star power. The Three Lions may not have clicked into gear, but they have had moments of magic and brilliance push them to the final, and it could hurt La Roja.