Rodri faced criticism after Spain's goalless draw against Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, with some blaming him for the lack of goals. However, his manager, Luis de la Fuente, defended him fiercely, declaring, "It seems incredibly insulting to me that people would say that about the best player in the world. Rodri is an inspiration for us."

Five weeks later, as Spain heads into the final against Argentina, Rodri's performances have silenced doubters. Despite a challenging season recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, he has emerged as a pivotal figure in Spain's success, fulfilling Pep Guardiola's prediction that he would shine at the World Cup.

Key achievements during the tournament include:

• Completing 655 passes, the most by any player in World Cup history.
• Delivering 62 line-breaking passes in the final third, a record since Toni Kroos in 2014.
• Contributing to Spain's average possession of 64%, dominating play with significant touches and passes.

Rodri's leadership extends beyond his passing; he has made the second-most tackles and excelled in defensive duties, allowing Spain to concede just one goal in seven matches. His ability to read the game and support teammates has been instrumental.

As speculation surrounds his future at Manchester City, where he has one year left on his contract, Rodri's performances at the World Cup reaffirm his status as one of the best midfielders in the world. With a final victory within reach, he continues to set the standard for excellence.