Luis de la Fuente, the manager of the Spanish national football team, recently identified the top two midfielders in the world. He considers Rodri the premier player in his position, while naming Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi as the second-best globally. This recognition follows Spain’s successful World Cup campaign.
Rodri played a pivotal role in Spain’s final victory over Argentina, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s most outstanding performer. In contrast, Zubimendi saw limited action, appearing only as a substitute for Rodri late in the final match. Despite this small role, De la Fuente defended the Arsenal player’s elite status during an interview with TVE.
The manager expressed frustration with critics who previously questioned Rodri’s value to the national team. He insisted that anyone doubting Rodri’s abilities lacks a true understanding of the sport. De la Fuente also addressed the controversy surrounding the match against Argentina, labeling the aggressive behavior shown by the opposing staff and players as completely unacceptable.