Spotlight always steals the players! who score goals and attacking players, but there are also other types of players, who don't get as much attention as others. like Rodri,  this video is about Rodri, so we are going to talk about Rodri, who plays for Manchester City, he is one of these heroes. 

He quietly helps the team succeed by controlling the game from midfield with his consistent performance. In this video, we will explore the football journey of Rodri? what makes him special? and why he is so underrated. So before going into the video drop your comment so it makes me motivated.

Rodri the Underrated player

Early in career

Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, known as Rodri, was born on June 22 1996, in Madrid Spain. Growing up in the Spanish Football city of Madrid, Rodri developed a deep love for the beautiful game. As a young boy, he would mold objects into soccer balls and spend his days kicking them around.

However, his parents also emphasized the importance of education, Rodri grew up in an academic household in Madrid, where he was constantly taught the value of education from an early age.

Despite making a lot of money from soccer, Rodri never neglected his education. In fact, he once revealed in an interview that, he would have a book in his left hand and a soccer ball in his right. He understood the importance of balancing his academic, pursuits with his love for the game.

During his school years, he played competitive soccer during sports periods, and spent his free time improving his skills on the neighborhood football fields.

His parents recognized his talent and potential in soccer. They saw him as a promising investment in the sport, which motivated Rodri to work even harder. At the age of 10, he joined Rayo Majadahonda's youth setup, where he trained alongside talented players like Lucas and Theo Hernandez, contributing to the club's success.

At 11 years old, Rodri was recruited by Atletico Madrid, but he faced challenges in his development there. The club's management criticized him for being too weak. As a result, he was sent to FC Villarreal's youth setup on Spain's east coast for a fresh start.

This new chapter in Rodri's soccer journey provided him with an opportunity to prove himself and overcome the setbacks he faced at Atletico Madrid.

Road to frame

Rodri faced challenges when he left his dream club, Atletico Madrid, and his family believed he was treated unfairly. Despite leaving, Rodri was already tall, standing at 1.84 meters, although he lacked some physical strength. Nonetheless, his dedication to playing for Atletico Madrid remained strong. Over time, he experienced significant growth, both physically and technically, Within two years at Villarreal, he made progress in the first team. 

In 2015, he played a key role in Spain's victory at the UEFA European under-19 Championship, earning recognition in the Team of the Tournament. This tournament highlighted Rodri's development and established him as one of Spain's most promising talents. Known for his exceptional ball skills, he was regarded as a top prospect as a midfielder. His time at Villarreal not only marked his growth as a footballer but also his personal maturity. praise him as a "perfect kid" for the position.

Rodri's success caught the attention of Atletico Madrid, who brought him back to the club in 2018 after apologizing for their earlier decision. Returning to Atletico Madrid, he quickly became a key player once again, showcasing his strength and skills. He played a crucial role in helping his team win the UEFA Super Cup. Rodri's exceptional abilities with both feet and his composure in challenging situations on the field attracted the interest of top clubs, including Manchester City under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola has expressed his belief that Rodri, the midfielder for Manchester City, is the best in the world in his position. Despite his exceptional performances, Rodri often goes unnoticed by the media

Pep's development of midfield roles continued at Manchester City. Fernandinho was initially a destroyer but gradually developed into a more complete midfielder under Pep's guidance. Fernandinho's technical ability and playmaking skills improved, making him an integral part of the team. If Pep had worked with Fernandinho from a younger age, he might have been regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time.



When Rodri joined Manchester City, he initially appeared average. However, Pep molded him into a complete midfielder, combining elements of all three midfield categories. Rodri's defensive intelligence, technical ability, and playmaking skills were developed to create a versatile midfielder. He can play alongside attacking midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva without compromising the team's defensive solidity. Rodri's unique qualities make him one of a kind, with Sergio Busquets being the closest comparison.

Rodri has many qualities that make him the best defensive midfielder in the game. He controls the pace of the game and has excellent positional awareness. He is like the foundation of the team's offense. When City loses the ball, he is the first line of defense. He also provides an option for the offense to reset and move sideways when they are attacking the opposing team's side of the field. Rodri is a very intelligent player with great passing skills. 

What sets him apart?

in my opinion, is that he has the technical skills of a smaller defensive midfielder, but he also has the height and physicality of a center-back. He is a strong and imposing player with a good reach. He can even fill in as a center-back if needed, or he can stay in the midfield to cover gaps and give the other midfielders more freedom and security, allowing them to take risks and be more forward-thinking.

Despite his exceptional skills and contributions, Rodri remains underrated in the football world. His abilities as a complete midfielder and his impact on the game are often overlooked.

Remarkably, City has not lost a match with Rodri on the field for over a year, except for the Champions League final and the recent dramatic equalizer. However, Rodri's contributions are not always in the limelight, as the focus tends to be on players like Erling Haaland or Kevin De Bruyne.

Is Rodri is an underrated player comment down below, if you haven't watched my previous video about the Top 6 Greatest Midfielders in the Premier League go and watch the links in the description. thank you guys see you in the next video.