Rodri leads Spain past France into World Cup final

Spain beat France in the World Cup semifinal at Dallas Stadium and will face Argentina in Sunday's final. Rodri completed 87 percent of his passes, won 11 duels, made four tackles and recovered the ball twice in the 2-0 win. He also recorded the tournament-high totals of 794 touches, 655 completed passes and 106 line-breaking passes.

return The Manchester City midfielder suffered a knee ligament injury that sidelined him for much of the past year. A year earlier he had shown positive signs at the FIFA Club World Cup before being forced off early against Al Hilal, after which City exited the competition. Twelve months later he has regained full fitness and started every match for Spain at this World Cup.

“Rodri is the backbone in midfield that makes everything right.”