"Pure talent" - Luis de la Fuente picks out key man for Spain at Euro 2024

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has lavished praise on Manchester City midfielder Rodri ahead of this summer's European Championship.

The 27-year-old was again in excellent form for his club during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring nine times and registering 14 assists in 50 appearances in all competitions.

Rodri is set to be a vital player for Spain at Euro 2024, meanwhile, and the national team's head coach has talked-up his importance ahead of the competition.

"For me, he is the best central midfielder in the world. He is the most complete number six. He stands out in every facet of the game. He understands how to attack, how to defend, he is unselfish, he looks to support, he's hard-working, he knows how to orchestrate play," De la Fuente told UEFA's official website.

"For me, he is pure talent. He has learned that without hard work, pushing yourself and dedication, he would surely not have reached the level he has, even while playing under perhaps the best, or one of the best, coaches in the world.

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Rodri will be a key player for Spain at Euro 2004

"His greatest trait is his humility to understand, be willing to learn and take on board advice from any coach. He has grown, is growing, and will continue to grow thanks to that humility."

Rodri is the highest-scoring midfielder in the Spain squad with three goals, and providing that he is fit, will be in the starting XI against Croatia in the team's Euro 2024 opener on June 15.

Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri and Fermin Lopez are the other midfield options available to head coach De la Fuente this summer.

Indeed, two midfielders were cut from the final squad on Friday, with Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente and Girona's Aleix Garcia dropping out alongside Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi.