Rodri's Revolutionary Impact On Defensive Midfield Recognised By Lucas Leiva

Add as a preferred source on Google

Lucas Leiva believes Rodri should be a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or, highlighting his impact on how holding midfielders are perceived. Rodri had an outstanding 2023-24 season with Manchester City, helping them retain the Premier League title and earning Player of the Tournament honours as Spain won Euro 2024.

The 28-year-old midfielder played 50 matches for Manchester City across all competitions last season. Pep Guardiola's team lost only one of those games, which was against Manchester United in May's FA Cup final. In the Premier League, Rodri scored eight goals and provided nine assists, marking his best figures in any league campaign to date.

At Euro 2024, Rodri ranked seventh among all players for open-play passes with 430 and fifth for open-play passes in the opposition half with 255. These contributions were crucial as Spain secured their record-breaking fourth European title.

Despite Rodri's achievements, Lucas Leiva acknowledges that he will face stiff competition from Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. "Of course, Rodri is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or," Lucas said. "But I would probably say another two players: Bellingham and Vinicius."

Lucas emphasised that both Bellingham and Vinicius have also had remarkable seasons with Real Madrid and their national teams. He noted Bellingham's significant role in reaching the Euros final as a key factor in his candidacy.

The Importance of Holding Midfielders

Lucas highlighted the often-overlooked role of holding midfielders in football. "A midfield player, especially a holding midfield player, normally it is not a position that people look at so much," he told Stats Perform. "But it is an important role for the team."

He explained that holding midfielders provide balance to the team by allowing others to move forward while protecting the defence. Lucas mentioned Sergio Busquets and now Rodri as prime examples of players excelling in this role for both club and country.

"You start everything from that role," Lucas added. "So, [Sergio] Busquets and now Rodri are playing a big part with Man City, but also with Spain. We could see that at the Euros."

Lucas expressed happiness at seeing a holding midfielder like Rodri being recognised on the Ballon d'Or shortlist. He believes this recognition signifies growing appreciation for this crucial position in football.

"I'm happy to see a holding midfielder on the shortlist because it's a position that people don't look at too much," Lucas said. "People are starting to appreciate it a little bit more."

The anticipation surrounding who will win the Ballon d'Or remains high, with many eagerly waiting to see if Rodri can clinch this prestigious award amidst fierce competition.