Tour test for City to replace irreplaceable

AS WELL as his bulging trophy cabinet for collective titles, Rodri now has a European Championship Player of the Tournament accolade to add to similar awards for the Champions League, Nations League and Club World Cup.

- JOE BRAY

This weekend, he moved a huge step closer to a Ballon d'Or title he has distanced himself from.

Rodri has always said he would prefer his team to win a trophy rather than himself win the Ballon d'Or. But with a starring role in the Euros elevating him to a level of publicity he perhaps lacked before, maybe now that Ballon d'Or is within grasp. His previous comments on the award suggest he believes a player needs a huge PR machine behind him to win the award - Nike endorsed him on Sunday night, and he also has the backing of the whole of Spain.

Rodri can do everything, from a business degree, to winning the Champions League for City. Just maybe don't ask him for advice on complex geopolitical diplomatic matters.

The midfielder will now embark on a much-needed break ahead of the new season. He has repeatedly stressed that his workload is too high, and his 2023/24 season saw him play 58 out of a possible 70 games in 11 months. He could play 80 next season.