Spain Manager De la Fuente Rates Rodri and Zubimendi as World’s Elite Defensive Midfielders
Spain’s national team manager, Luis de la Fuente, has proclaimed Manchester City’s Rodri and Arsenal’s Martín Zubimendi as the two premier defensive midfielders in global football.
The declaration comes ahead of Spain’s friendly international against Serbia on Friday. In remarks to Spanish broadcaster TVE, De la Fuente offered high praise for both players, singling out Rodri as the absolute best in the world at his position.
“After all the setbacks Rodri went through, he’s back at a high level,” De la Fuente stated, likely referencing the midfielder’s recovery from injuries. He continued, “I’ve said before that he is the best in the world, but also that we are very fortunate. In that position, the No. 6 role, we have the two best players in the world: Rodri and Martín Zubimendi.”
This public endorsement from the national team manager underscores the exceptional quality Spain possesses in the crucial defensive midfield berth. Rodri, 27, is a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s record-breaking Manchester City team, combining physicality, technical distribution, and tactical intelligence. His recent form has been instrumental in City’s successes.
Zubimendi, 25, joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024. Highly regarded for his reading of the game, precise passing, and defensive solidity, his transfer to the Premier League marked him as a player of elite potential. De la Fuente’s rating places him immediately among the global elite in his specialized role.
The friendly against Serbia serves as preparation for Spain’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures and the broader cycle towards major tournaments. De la Fuente’s comments highlight a significant strength in the squad’s composition, providing him with two world-class options for the pivotal defensive midfield position.
The manager’s assessment will be noted across European football, reinforcing the reputation of both players and signalling Spain’s ambition to compete at the highest level with a deep, talented roster in key positions. Their performances for club and country in the coming months will be closely watched against this backdrop of immense expectation.
