Paul Scholes has compared one Manchester United player to Rodri.
While the Spaniard is widely viewed as the best defensive midfielder in the world, Roy Keane feels it is “disrespectful” to class him as just a number six — due to the goals and assists he gets and his overall contribution going forward.
Adam Wharton also praised Rodri for how well-rounded of a player he is.
Much like for Manchester City, a case can be made that the 28-year-old is Spain’s most important cog, who continues to impress whichever team he plays for.
Paul Scholes makes bold Rodri comparison with 19-year-old midfielder
The £62 million man was suspended for his country’s final group game at the European Championship as they beat Albania 1-0 on Monday night — due to getting two yellow cards.
However, the Manchester City maestro previously started against Croatia and Italy — replicating his form at club level for his nation.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Paul Scholes has vouched for England to start Mainoo, who he feels is a similar player to Rodri.
Scholes said: “Now with Kobbie Mainoo, if Kobbie Mainoo came in, all of a sudden, you have control. You have a player who makes your team play football.”
“Sometimes, it takes just one player to be able to do that. You think of Toni Kroos with Germany, he just makes them play football, he makes Real Madrid play football. I think Rodri at Manchester City and Spain, he makes your team play football.”
Paul Scholes also believes the 19-year-old’s inclusion into the Three Lions side could make life easier for Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.
“And I think Kobbie Mainoo has got that, the ability to do that and then all of a sudden, it frees up the likes of Jude Bellingham, he’s not worried about having to come back all the time and try and help with the build-up because he’s brilliant going forward.”
“Phil Foden is exactly the same. I just think that one change could make a hell of a difference to this team.”
Kobbie Mainoo is a huge talent but he cannot be likened to Rodri
While Paul Scholes makes a fair point about Mainoo potentially adding a sense of control to this England side, likening him to Rodri is not the best comparison.
The treble-winner is a conductor in the middle of the park — primarily running the show with his boundless passing range — while the Englishman is a player more adept at carrying the ball and combining with his teammates.
As a result, a case can be made that Mainoo’s best position is further forward as a number eight.
Rodri, on the other hand, could also be classed as a deep-lying playmaker — as he both controls the tempo and creates chances for his teammates — registering 14 assists in all competitions last season.