A Manchester City midfielder has reminded everyone of his undoubted quality at the World Cup | OneFootball

When fully fit, Rodri remains the most dominant midfielder in world football. There were glimpses of this shown by the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder throughout the 2025-26 season. When Rodri wasn’t bothered by niggling injuries, he was the heartbeat of the Manchester City midfield. However, the fact that he was coming back from a serious knee injury last season meant that Rodri had a frustrating 2025-26 campaign. Despite this, Rodri was selected in Spain’s squad for this summer’s World Cup. Throughout Spain’s run to the semi-final stage of the tournament, Rodri has reminded everyone of his undoubted quality. That is a huge positive for Manchester City ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Rodri has returned to his best for Spain at this summer’s World Cup.

The stars have shone at the 2026 World Cup. Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have stolen the headlines with their superb performances. In the background to this, a huge positive for Manchester City has emerged at the tournament. That is the performances of Rodri. Manchester City’s midfield general has returned to his best form as Spain have progressed to the semi-final stage of the competition where they will take on France.

Rodri has been the heart beat of Spain’s midfield throughout this summer’s World Cup. His ability to dictate an entire match has been evident in every match he has played in the tournament. Spain entered the tournament as one of the favorites, but they needed Rodri at his best to have a realistic shot at winning the World Cup. That has occurred and now Spain sit on the precipice of another World Cup final appearance. Tournament favorites France stand in their way. Rodri will have a key role to play in midfield against a rampant French outfit.

Rodri has been the glue in the Spanish midfield that makes them tick. His passing has been superb throughout the tournament. Rodri has dictated the tempo of every match that Spain has played. He knits their play well and they almost play through the Manchester City midfielder. Defensively, Rodri has been a rock. His ability to read the game has always been second to none. It has been another standout feature of his play at this summer’s World Cup.

Manchester City will be hoping that Rodri’s World Cup form is a sign of what is coming next season from him.

Despite the fact that Rodri is entering the final twelve months of his contract with Manchester City, he remains crucial to Enzo Maresca’s sides. If he is fully fit and at his best, City are a completely different proposition. Especially when you consider that Rodri will soon be partnered by Elliot Anderson in the heart of City’s midfield. That is at tantalizing prospect to wonder for everyone associated with Manchester City.

More than that, City will be hoping that Rodri’s impressive World Cup form is a sign of what is to come from him for next season. Rodri still holds the keys to City’s midfield, and hopes of success next season. He does look to be over his injury issues and fully fit. The hope is that his fitness and form carries over into the 2026-27 season. If it does, the sky is the limit for what Enzo Maresca’s side could achieve.

Rodri has quietly been one of the stars of the 2026 World Cup. His performances have been a crucial component in Spain’s run to the semi-final stage of the competition. Also, Rodri’s displays set him up for a big 2026-27 season for Manchester City. That is huge and if Rodri’s fitness and form carries over, Enzo Maresca will have a formidable midfield to unleash next season.