Spanish midfielder Rodri joined Barcelona on a four-year contract in a bid to bolster the Blaugrana’s midfield in their bid to finally bring back the Champions League trophy to the Camp Nou after 12 years. Following this weekend’s 5-0 win vs. Elche, Barca will be more than excited about what a midfield will look like once Rodri returns to the pitch.
How Rodri found his way to Barca
Barcelona hijacked Rodri’s move to the Spanish capital, with the Spanish giants Real Madrid seeming like the favorites to secure the signature of the World Cup winner. Rodri’s addition to the midfield will not only link the midfield with the attack better but will also improve Barcelona’s high-line situation. Covering the space left behind when the team goes forward to press will be important to making their offside trap less vulnerable.
Rodri will also be able to provide better protection for the backline, which many analysts have noted is their main weakness. Their highline was seen as their main Achilles heel over the last two seasons and proved to be costly to them when challenging in the Champions League.
Another great option to an elite midfield
It would be no exaggeration to say that Barcelona’s midfield is stacked. Their midfield offers a blend of situational awareness, dynamism, technical superiority, vision, high football intelligence, and many more qualities. With Pedri, De Jong, Bernal, Gavi, Olmo, and Fermin as midfield options, Rodri offers great defensive work, elite playmaking, and much-needed stability.
When will Rodri make his debut?
Rodri recently completed his first full group training session after joining from Man City and recovering from a minor back procedure. He can potentially make his Barca debut on Thursday vs. Athletic Club, but if the coaching staff thinks he needs more time, his debut could be pushed to their next game on August 31 vs. Rayo Vallecano.
