“One day he’ll be worth €80 million”: How Cesc Fabregas is looking to elevate Como’s exciting Spanish winger | OneFootball

Jesus Rodriguez may not be a name that springs immediately to mind for those outside of Serie A. Yet, Como’s 20-year-old Spanish winger looks to be something of an under-the-radar talent.

As online Italian football personality Nicolas Cariglia suggests, it’s not like Rodriguez’s stats instantly leap out at you. However, that’s where the charm lies, as the Biancoblu’s boss Cesc Fabregas has claimed that his player could eventually be worth 80 million euros one day, despite the meagre five goals to his name so far as a professional.

So, why the hype around Rodriguez? Well, with a style akin to Napoli man David Neres, the Seville-born left-sider has turned heads with his quick dribbling and artful nature on the ball. As on-the-button stats website FBREF shows, Rodriguez sits favourably when compared to positional peers in Men’s Big 5 Leagues, UCL, and UEL competitions.

Jesus Rodriguez’s scouting report via FBREF.

Averaging 5.47 progressive carries and 2.14 Successful Take-Ons per 90 for I Lariani, Rodriguez’s six assists in 16 Serie A outings have come as a direct result of his creative tenacity out wide.

This speed and eloquence on the ball has also translated to some more favourable comparisons as FBREF suggest the former Real Betis youth and recently capped La Roja international adopts a similar approach to Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus, and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. The difference, though (perhaps apart from Kudus), is league goals.

Also from FBREF, players similar to Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has had some real stand-out displays so far this season, including two goals in the Coppa Italia, yet has failed to hit the back of the net in Serie A. He is a consistent conduit for creation, yet just seems to be missing that final aspect of his game, as he continues to perform under a 2.15 xG.

Rodriguez’s Serie A shot map, from Fotmob.

From this season’s shot map, it is clear that he needs to better his 24% on-target rate and make more use of his rather impressive average of 5.86 touches per 90 in opponents’ penalty areas. This previously undernourished stat can come down to a lack of selfishness (i.e. a love for an assist), or may be affected by confidence and composure when faced with scoring opportunities.

As Fabregas’ confidence shows, though, this should likely develop with the right training as Rodriguez becomes a more integral cog in the Como machine. Remember, this is just his second season of senior professional football after leaving Betis for northern Italy in the summer of 2025.

GIFN | Max Bradfield