Spain Boss De la Fuente Admits He Expected Rodri to Sign for Real Madrid

Luis de la Fuente says he anticipated Rodri joining Real Madrid before the midfielder moved to Barcelona, and backs Spain's stars for the Ballon d'Or.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has revealed that he believed midfielder Rodri was destined for Real Madrid before the player instead completed a move to Barcelona. De la Fuente said his closeness to Rodri gave him insight into how the transfer situation was unfolding, and that at certain points a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu seemed likely.

Speaking about the transfer, De la Fuente said he was simply pleased that top Spanish players were returning to play in their home league. He noted that he found it striking how many members of Spain's current generation had been playing abroad, and welcomed their return as a boost for Spanish football and La Liga.

On how Rodri and Pedri can operate together, De la Fuente expressed confidence that the pair can coexist, while acknowledging that Pedri's style adapts depending on his teammates. He rated Rodri as the world's best in his position, and said Pedri and Fabian Ruiz also belong in that category, alongside Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez.

Addressing Lamine Yamal's recent comments that he had not felt at his expected level during the World Cup, De la Fuente framed the remark as a sign of ambition. He added that the teenager has matured considerably and predicted an even better version of the player within four years.

On the Ballon d'Or, De la Fuente argued that a Spanish player should win the award, describing Spanish footballers as nearly complete players in technique and tactical understanding. Asked to pick between Rodri and Lamine Yamal, he declined to narrow the field, also highlighting Fabian Ruiz, Pedri and Mikel Oyarzabal as deserving candidates.