The Rodri v Zubimendi Manchester City began the second half strongly against Arsenal on Sunday, with Rodri signaling for the ball near the edge of the box. Rayan Cherki quickly noticed and delivered a precise pass. Rodri brought it under control and struck immediately, sending a low effort toward the bottom-right corner of kepa’s goal. However, Martin Zubimendi intervened just in time, blocking the shot from his fellow Spaniard .
In the end, Rodri had the last word as City secured a 2-0 victory at Wembley, lifting the Carabao Cup. Still, the rivalry between the two midfielders is far from settled. It continued the very next day when both players joined the Spanish national team camp in Madrid ahead of friendlies against Serbia and Egypt.
Their competition extends beyond club success—they are also vying for a starting spot in Spain’s lineup as the European champions prepare for the upcoming World Cup. This debate has become one of the hottest topics in Spanish football: can Rodri v Zubimendi coexist in the same team?
Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has been repeatedly asked this question and now often addresses it preemptively. He praised Rodri’s return to top form after setbacks and described both him and Zubimendi as the best in the world in the number six role, insisting they are capable of playing together.
Despite this, De la Fuente has rarely tested the idea. The only instance came briefly during the Euro 2024 semi-final against France, when Rodri v Zubimendi entered in stoppage time. Generally, the team has relied on one or the other.
Rodri v Zubimendi was once an undisputed starter and a key influence in the dressing room, but his last appearance came in September 2024 against Switzerland. Since then, Zubimendi has stepped up impressively, proving that the team can function without the Ballon d’Or winner….Read more
A clearer picture may emerge when Spain face Serbia in Villarreal on Friday.
Rodri v Zubimendi: “I’m handing you the keys to the team”
Spain have almost always depended on either Rodri or Zubimendi in midfield. Out of 3,300 minutes under De la Fuente since March 2023, only 268 minutes have been played without at least one of them on the pitch.
Their importance became especially evident when Rodri suffered a knee ligament injury in September 2024. At that moment, he messaged Rodri v Zubimendi, telling him he was “handing over the keys” to the team.
Now back, Rodri faces uncertainty about reclaiming that role, though he is familiar with such competition, recalling a similar situation when he competed with Sergio Busquets.
During the 2022 World Cup, then-coach Luis Enrique attempted to fit both players into the lineup by deploying Rodri as a centre-back. However, De la Fuente is unlikely to repeat that approach.
Instead, he may consider a double pivot—despite favoring a midfield trio consisting of a 6, 8, and 10—or choose to bench one of them. He acknowledges both players bring different strengths, with Zubimendi contributing more offensively in recent times, while both offer tactical intelligence and balance…Read more
Still, the coach must also accommodate other talented midfielders like Pedri, Fermin Lopez, and Fabian Ruiz, making selection decisions even more complex.
A Lesson from 2010
Spain have faced a similar dilemma before. Ahead of their 2010 World Cup triumph, there was debate over whether to play Xabi Alonso or Sergio Busquets as the holding midfielder. Ultimately, coach Vicente del Bosque opted to include both, despite mixed reactions from fans and even within the squad.
That decision proved successful, and now, more than a decade later, Spain find themselves in a comparable situation with Rodri v Zubimendi.
The outcome of the Premier League title race between Arsenal and Manchester City could ultimately play a role in shaping how this debate unfolds…Read more
