Photo: Bryan Berlin / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Spain midfielder Rodri is back to his best ahead of Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina, according to former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart. Kick-off at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is scheduled for 20:00 UK time.
Spain are bidding to add the World Cup to the European Championship they won in Germany in 2024. Rodri has been central to Luis de la Fuente's side throughout the tournament.
Hart, who made 348 appearances over 10 seasons at the Etihad, praised the midfielder's recovery after a serious injury disrupted his career at its peak.
"He went through a devastating injury, just at the height of his powers, Ballon d'Or, doing everything he did at Manchester City," said Hart. "It was a very stop start season, understandably, I think the season before, he practically missed it, didn't he? And then last season, he wasn't purring. But it comes with time. He's a brilliant, brilliant player."
Hart expressed confidence that conditions are now in place for Rodri to deliver a defining performance. "This Spanish team very much plays to his tune and he's fantastic at it. He's growing in confidence and fitness and prowess and this could be his day," he added.
The former City keeper also outlined how he sees the contrasting styles of the two finalists. "The Spanish style — they probably train the same every day, they work on the same sort of thing, same sort of tactics, same sort of movements, and they're excellent at it, unbelievable at it in fact," Hart said. "And then you've just got the craziness of Argentina."
Hart noted Argentina's performance against England in the semi-final as evidence of their threat. "England were giving them a right good ding dong, it was a dust up, it was aggressive, it was feisty, there was a lot of good football being played," he said. "Whereas Spain just pass you into submission and then beat you, Argentina are just looking for any angle."