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Football pundit Stewart Robson has become the latest to back Manchester City midfielder Rodri for the Ballon d'Or this year. He further claimed that City and Spain wouldn't have won their trophies without the midfielder.
Speaking on ESPN, Robson stated that Rodri was outplayed in just one match last season - the FA Cup final against Manchester United - and that shows how good he was on the pitch. He said:
"I would go with Rodri personally because he dominates games. He was beaten only in one game and that was the cup final. He's an inspiration for his club and country. Without him, Man City or Spain wouldn't have won the titles [they won]."
Fellow ESPN pundit Steve Nicol also backed Rodri for the Ballon d'Or earlier this week and stated:
"Rodri [is my choice for the Ballon d'Or]. He's been terrific for a long time. He probably won't win it. Who puts the goals in is probably going to win it [this year]."
Rodri won the Premier League with Manchester City and the Euro 2024 with Spain last season. He faces competition from Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr for the Ballon d'Or award this year.
Rodri backed to win the Ballon d'Or by Manchester City teammate
Manchester City midfielder Rico Lewis spoke to the media earlier this week and backed his teammate Rodri to win the Ballon d'Or this year. He heaped praise on the Spaniard, highlighting his consistency. He was quoted by Manchester Evening News as saying:
"It's just expected now for a player of his quality – what he's achieved in recent years. He's getting more of the accolades he deserves now, more of the personal accolades. He's a serial winner. Personally, I think he should win it.
"For the past three or four years, he's been so good. He's been one of the best in the world for a while now. It's difficult for a holding midfielder to win it but he showed with the goals, the assists, he does everything. There is no reason why he shouldn't win it."
Spain attacker Alvaro Morata, City manager Pep Guardiola, and Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente have also put their weight behind Rodri for the France Football award this year.
