Rodri gets unexpected boost after injury scare for Man City star

Expect the demand from Manchester City fans for more protection for Rodri to grow louder now.

There have already been grumbles about the lack of cover for the midfield maestro, with a new body seen as a priority this summer to stop the 30-year-old running himself into the ground before Pep Guardiola dares to give him a rest. An enforced substitution in the final of the European Championship will only increase the clamour, even if the injury did not stop him from moving about after the game to celebrate with his teammates and give interviews.

As the extent of Rodri's injury waits to be realised, the extent of his impact is finally being recognised around the world. After this tournament, it is not just City fans that are asking to talk about Rodri.

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It is easy to see why he has gone under the radar for so long for so many, especially when surrounded by a Norwegian wrecking ball smashing in goals like there are a finite number left in the world, and an homegrown talent so technically gifted he could grace the Spain team. Guardiola does not want his holding midfielders to stand out, preferring them to be the oil that makes the machine move so slickly.

There is only so long a talent such as Rodri can bubble under the surface though, and even if he insists he doesn't care about winning the Ballon d'Or the two summer tournaments have conspired to thrust him further into the spotlight. As the attacking talents who normally dominate the individual prizes struggled to fire at either the Euros or the Copa America, it was Rodri's masterful leadership of a