Rodri Seeks To Forge Legacy, Aims For Spain's Euro 2024 Success

Rodri is determined to emulate the success of Spain's golden generation as La Roja gear up to face France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals on Tuesday. Luis de la Fuente's squad is the only team to have won all five matches in Germany so far, and their next challenge is an out-of-form French side in Munich.

Spain has been impressive since the start of 2023, winning 15 out of 19 games under De la Fuente. Their 79% win ratio during this period is unmatched by any other European nation. Despite this, they face a tough opponent in France, who were finalists in the 2022 World Cup and are eager to improve their performance at the Euros.

Rodri has drawn comparisons to legendary Spanish midfielders Xavi and Andres Iniesta, both key players in Spain's previous triumphs. However, Rodri insists that his team must build their own legacy from scratch. "That golden generation, when it started, wasn't," he said at a pre-match news conference on Monday. "We have to build the legacy. We are the same."

Kylian Mbappe was expected to shine at the tournament but has managed just one goal from 20 shots, a penalty against Poland in the group stage. Didier Deschamps hinted that Mbappe might be struggling with fitness ahead of Tuesday's clash. However, Rodri suggested that this could be a tactic to mislead Spain. "I don't trust what they say, to be honest," Rodri remarked when asked about Mbappe's fitness. "I know the player he is and that he can make a difference."

Mbappe's performance at the European Championship contrasts sharply with his World Cup record, where he scored 12 goals from 39 shots. Despite his current form, Rodri acknowledges that Mbappe remains a significant threat but also warns about France's overall quality. "France is more than Mbappe," he stated. "They are strong at the back; I wouldn't like to single out individuals."

Spain's Rising Stars

Spain will rely on their own star attackers, including Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, who have captured the imagination of La Roja supporters. Yamal has already provided three assists in Germany, setting a record for a Spanish player at a single European Championship tournament. His chances created are also the most by a teenager at a major tournament since Opta began recording data (1966 for World Cup, 1980 for Euros).

"What I can say is that he is focused on the team," Rodri added about his young teammate Yamal. "He wants to listen and improve with the people around him." This focus and willingness to learn could prove crucial as Spain aims for another European Championship final.

Rodri emphasised that despite their excellent form, Spain must deliver an optimal performance against France to reach the final. "We know the team we have," he said. "But we don't think about that. We have a very difficult, very tough match."

As Spain prepares for this critical encounter with France, they aim not only to win but also to build a lasting legacy akin to their golden generation.