Rodri is a player who speaks his mind clearly, as was evident during his interview with Mundo Deportivo. The Barcelona midfielder is still a newcomer in the Barça dressing room, so almost everything is new to him. One player he had not previously known well was Raphinha, and Rodri admits he has been blown away by the Brazilian’s performances and intensity.
Raphinha has become Hansi Flick’s improvised No. 9, and Rodri is particularly impressed by the level the 30-year-old has reached.
Rodri also had plenty of praise for a player he knows very well, having shared a dressing room with Julián Alvarez at Manchester City. The new Barcelona signing did not hold back, insisting that he would have no hesitation in bringing the Argentine to Barça.
Here is what Rodri had to say about Raphinha and Julián Alvarez:
Which player in the team has surprised you the most?
Raphinha has surprised me a lot. It’s not that I was surprised because I didn’t know what kind of player he was, but he’s an incredible player, especially considering the level of form he’s in.
I actually laugh about it because he’s the same age as me, yet he seems to have an unbelievable physical capacity. Obviously, we have different profiles as players, but anyone would probably think he was 24 or 25 based on his physical ability. But no, he’s 30, just like me, and he has this incredible physical level.
You played with Julián Alvarez at Manchester City and know him well. Would you sign him for Barcelona?
I think he’s a fantastic player. Of course, I would sign Julián. I was lucky enough to spend a couple of years with him, and I think he’s an incredible player.
What makes him so special?
He’s incredible. I think he’s an outstanding player. He actually played more as a No. 10 than as a No. 9, even though he originally came through as a striker.
He has also adapted to a position where he can play as an attacking midfielder or a second striker. He’s even played some games as an interior midfielder. But to me, he’s a spectacular player.