Manchester City's midfield general Rodney spoke about this year's Ballon d'Or in a recent interview. As a favorite to make the Ballon d'Or shortlist, Rodri showed humility and rationality.
Rodri first said that he is open and receptive to the honor of the Golden Ball award. "Let's see what happens. It's something I can't control. Whatever happens, I will accept it and I will be grateful because for me it has been a compliment and a dream." His words reveal how much he cherishes the honor and looks forward to the future.
Rodri then also spoke about the current state of defensive midfielders in the Ballon d'Or race. He admitted that defensive midfielders often struggle to stand out in individual awards such as the Ballon d'Or because they are not the focus of outside marketing or fan fervor. "Defensive midfielders are not what outside marketing or fans love, goals and assists people like more. As a result, these awards go more to strikers, wingers or attacking midfielders." His view also reflects the difference in the current perception of the value of players in different positions in soccer.
However, Rodri didn't feel frustrated or lost. On the contrary, he set his sights more on the overall development of Spanish soccer. He mentioned that after Spain's Euro win, he had hoped that Spanish players would win the Ballon d'Or as recognition of Spanish soccer's efforts and achievements over the years. "We had the best time in our history, but we didn't win the Ballon d'Or and that was because of two beasts - Messi and Cairo. Now we have the best players playing the best soccer and Spanish soccer deserves recognition." Rodri's words not only expressed his pride and confidence in Spanish soccer, but also showed his broad vision and deep thinking as a professional player.
