Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler claims a Manchester City player was the best player at Euro 2024.
England and Spain meet in the final tonight in Berlin, and Gareth Southgate has the chance to end 58 years of suffering.
It’s a chance for redemption after losing the Euro 2022 final to Italy, and England fans around the world have been rooting for Southgate to stage a historic victory.
But standing in England’s way is a Spain team that has looked fantastic in recent weeks.
Luis de la Fuente’s team looks to be the best team in the tournament and will be a very difficult opponent.
One of the reasons Spain are so good is the fact they have Rodri in midfield and for Robbie Fowler, he has been the standout player in Germany.
Robbie Fowler praises ‘fantastic’ Manchester City star Rodri and suggests he was the best player at Euro 2024
Gary Neville has already warned England about the need to limit Rodri’s influence in Berlin as much as possible.
He and Fabian Ruiz have controlled games so far in this tournament, and stopping them will be key tonight, along with keeping wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal in check.
City fans are watching £63million star Rodri dominate games week in, week out at the Etihad.
It’s amazing to watch him work, and it’s amazing how players just can’t get near him.
Rodri is now widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder in the world and for Fowler he absolutely lived up to his reputation at the Euros.
He said of the Spaniard in the Mirror (14/07, p. 81): “Rodri was fantastic, probably the most outstanding player of the tournament.
“But we’ve seen all of that with him at Manchester City. He plays exactly the same way for club and country and his level of performance never seems to drop.”
England must stop Rodri
One of the most crucial things tonight for Southgate is to ensure Rodri’s influence is kept to an absolute minimum.
City and Premier League fans know how dominant he can be and it is vital that he is given no time or space to play tonight in Berlin.
Potentially, an individual tagging strategy could be the way forward.
Letting Rodri play would be disastrous for England, so let’s hope the Three Lions have something up their sleeve.
As for Fowler, Rodri is certainly one of the best players at the Euros. His teammates Yamal and Williams have also been incredible.
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