Manchester City's midfield maestra Rodri: The silent assassin

Ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Manchester City and Arsenal this weekend, Showmax features an interview with the midfield maestro Rodri.

The Spanish international, renowned for his understated brilliance, sat down with Chelsea legend Frank Lampard this week to discuss his journey at Manchester City and the qualities that have made him one of the world's most sought-after midfielders.

Rodri's time at Manchester City has been marked by consistent excellence. His ability to dictate the tempo of a game, break up opposition attacks, and contribute to crucial goals has made him an indispensable asset to Pep Guardiola's side.

In the interview, Rodri reflects on his transition to the Premier League, the challenges he has faced, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

With his exceptional performances, Rodri has emerged as a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or. In the interview, he discusses his ambitions and the factors that he believes will determine the outcome of the prestigious award.

Don't miss the thrilling clash between Manchester City and Arsenal, live on Showmax Premier League, on Sunday, 22September at 5:30pm.

What brought you to Man City?

You know, I saw City, how they were performing and how the Premier League was growing, and I always admired English football. I always admired the fans, the way they understand football. When the option came in, I said I have to go there.

You've been speaking to the media recently, and I don't think you're a player that speaks that much in the media, right? You like your privacy?

Yeah, to be honest, I like speaking and when I need to of course. My English has improved. The first years wasn't like this, but I like talking, you know, about football. Not much to the media, but I like when we speak about football or life in general. You know?

You have had a different journey compared to a lot of other young footballers. You went to university, you studied etc. Is that what sets you apart?

I mean, for me, I was very lucky to have the family I have. They instilled these values from the beginning. I really know that of course, football was a hobby until the last part of my course. I knew how difficult it was to cut it as a pro footballer, but if I did it would be amazing. But my first option or my first choice always was to study and to have a future, you know, like a good future. And I think something that many kids don't realise how important is to do that, not only because the fact that most of them, they're not going to become pro footballers, but also because it helps you a lot if you arrive. You know the way you can understand or visualise things in another way. Have the feet on the floor all the time. And this is something that for me makes the difference because, you know, when I went to university, I know a lot of normal people with normal lives. They want to build their future. And when we all have what we have and we are, I mean, we can only say thank you about what we have.

I had a good support system, my parents, my dad was an ex-player, so he was pushing me a lot. So, I feel fortunate now that I had that kind of secure upbringing. But we all know that it's really hard to make the steps to become a professional.

Did you always play this football style that we associate with you now when you were younger?

Not always because I developed physically only when I was 15, 16, 17. Before that I was very small and thin. But yeah, I always played that role. It depends on the age I was playing. I played in the eight role and in the 10 role. But I always thought that my best role was in six.

Who are the sixes you looked up to growing up?

My role models were Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, in the national team for sure. They play different football. So yeah, it's the culture we have. It's our references when we grow. And this is why I implement this kind of football.

You have come up against the likes of Xavi and Iniesta, what was that like?

They are incredible players. I couldn't get near them. They were technically so advanced. We had our attributes and when we played in Barcelona, the pitch felt so big. It was so hard to get close.

You are one of the players who could win this year's prestigious Ballon D'or. How do you feel about that?

They're talking about me winning the Ballon D'or or being in the conversation. Just this thing, this fact is unbelievable for me. I'm really happy that there are a lot of people that can enjoy the role of a midfielder or a centre back, or because they are also important for the game

You won the EUROs. Defensive midfield players don't generally win Ballon D'ors. How would you feel about winning it? Since 1960, there has only been on Spanish player who has won the award.

This is incredible. I'm thinking Xavi and Iniesta, everybody like how didn't it happen? But I guess Messi and Ronaldo have got a reason for that. I am so glad that there are people that believe in me and who enjoy watching me. It's great. I think Spain, we deserve a Ballon D'or. I don't care about me. I just say in general; we deserve one Ballon D'or because we've been an incredible country for many years. The players we manage, the way we play, the football, the way we create. You know, I think we deserve that. But on the other hand, I'm so glad about everything that has happened and I hope I can win it. Being in the conversation for me is great.

Sign up for the Showmax Premier League mobile plan for R69 p/m at www.showmax.com for all the Premier League action.