13 July,2024 07:54 AM IST | Berlin | AFP
Rodri Hernandez
Finally handed the keys to Spain's midfield at a major tournament, Rodri Hernandez has driven the side to the verge of Euro 2024 glory. La Roja are bidding for a record fourth Euros triumph against England in Sunday's Berlin final and Rodri is both the engine and the brains behind the competition's strongest side to this point.
After Luis Enrique used Rodri at centre-back at the 2022 World Cup with veteran Sergio Busquets still the first choice defensive midfielder, coach Luis de la Fuente has installed Rodri in his best position.
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"We have Rodri, who is a perfect computer, he administers everything, the emotions, all the moments in a magisterial way - that's a great help for everyone," said De la Fuente after Spain's 4-1 last-16 win over Georgia.
Spain fell behind in the match and a pivotal moment, not just against Georgia but in their whole Euros campaign, came midway through the first half.
With his team trailing and rattled, Rodri stopped with the ball in the middle of the pitch and issued his teammates a message of calm, urging them not to lose their heads and keep following through with their plan.
"Sometimes 20 or 30 seconds of telling people to âcalm down' is more productive than going back on the attack," explained Rodri after the game.
"I thought in that moment that was what I had to do." It was Spain's organiser-in-chief who scored the equaliser before the break to put La Roja back on track as the minnows' defence crumbled.
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