Luis de la Fuente names his 2024 Ballon d'Or frontrunner after Spain's Euro 2024 triumph against England
Luis de la Fuente has endorsed Rodri to win the Ballon d'Or after Spain's Euro 2024 final win against England. La Roja finished their European Championship campaign with a perfect track record, winning all of their seven games.
They beat England 2-1 in the final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 14. Nico Williams gave Spain the lead in the 47th minute before Cole Palmer equalized (73'). Mikel Oyarzabal, though, broke English hearts with his 86th-minute winner, and the Three Lions are now facing 60 years of drought.
In the final, Rodri had to be replaced at halftime by Martin Zubimendi. However, the Manchester City midfielder took home the Player of the Tournament award.
Luis de la Fuente voiced his support for the former Atletico Madrid man to win the Ballon d'Or, saying (via Tribal Football):
"Also Zubimendi replacing the best player in the world, please Rodri Ballon d'Or now."
Rodri was a constant presence for Spain in the middle of the park during Euro 2024. While he played only 45 minutes of the final, he showed his passing range and defensive solidity as long as he was on the pitch.
The Spaniard ended the 2023-24 campaign with the Premier League and the UEFA Euro 2024 trophies. He is currently one of the best players in the world in his position and could be a strong candidate to win the Ballon d'Or.
Spain hero Rodri's statistics from Euro 2024
Rodri had a spectacular tournament with Spain at Euro 2024. He completed 411 of his 439 attempted passes, with a 92.84% accuracy. Rodri also scored a goal during the tournament, netting the equalizer during the 4-1 win against Georgia in the Round of 16.
Rodri made 33 ball recoveries, four blocks, and five clearances during the European Championship. Overall, it was a spectacular tournament for the midfielder, who seems to be growing in stature with every passing season.
The Euro 2024 triumph, though, was a team effort from Spain. Players like Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, and Fabian Ruiz were equally important. Substitutes like Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal also played crucial roles over the course of the tournament.