Rodri will be an important piece for Manuel Pellegrini next season after being one of the youth players who had the most impact in this last season with Betis. His emergence from the start of the campaign surprised the Chilean coach, who highlighted his courage when inventing in three quarters and made him a front-line asset in his scheme. He relieved Fekir when Pellegrini needed him, placed him on the wings when the needs arose, and also had playing time in midfield, where he showed that he has chevrons to carry the game handle. Now, he faces a new preseason with more confidence to be important in Heliópolis.
LaLiga Santander
* Data updated as of June 13, 2021
At 21, Rodri convinced Pellegrini. The coach did not hesitate to flatter his figure throughout the season, even when he was left out of some calls for helping the subsidiary team in the fight for promotion. “He will be an important man in the first team,” outlined the coach since then, aware of the weight that Talayuela may have in the most imminent future. In the planning of the club, his role protects any unexpected exit in three quarters, being a versatile asset that can make the definitive leap to a greater role.
Both Antonio Cordón and Manuel Pellegrini himself know that the commitment to the quarry is a reality. Not only because of the appearance in this campaign of men like Rodri or Paul, but because of the confidence in what comes from the Verdiblanco subsidiary. The economic crisis also forces solutions from the house and the figure of Rodri comes to the fore in this context. Pellegrini wants him among his regulars to compete for a place in his eleven. With Europe on the table, the Chilean will need all possible resources while waiting for more signings.