Manchester City trio Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji and Rodri all made UEFA’s Team of the Tournament at the European Championships.
Walker was the only England player in the XI, despite the Three Lions having made it to the final. Akanji lost to Walker’s team in the quarter-final with Switzerland.
Rodri, meanwhile, played an integral role as Spain won the competition, although he was forced off at half-time against England.
His international manager Luis de la Fuente was full of praise for the midfielder following his performances in Germany, stating after the final that that he is at the top of his game:
“For me, Rodri is the best player in the world, please give him the Ballon d’Or now.”
It’s been an outstanding season for Rodri
Before the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United, the 28-year-old had gone 74 games unbeaten when playing for City. After winning all 6 matches he played in for Spain at the Euros, it means that he has only lost once in his last 81 appearances for club and country.
No wonder de la Fuente is calling for Rodri to be crowned the Ballon d’Or. It must be said, though, that it’s pretty unfashionable for holding midfielders to get such prestigious individual awards but his importance to the success of City and Spain cannot be overstated.
Who else made it into the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament?
Rodri was one of six Spanish players named in UEFA’s eleven. The other five were Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz, RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Arsenal’s William Saliba was also selected along with his France international teammate, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The rest of the lineup included Walker, Akanji and Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala.
