Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has leapt to the defence of Manchester City's Rodri following criticism after Spain's disappointing 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. The reigning European champions were expected to start strongly but were held by the African minnows, with Rodri facing particular scrutiny for his performance.
Zubimendi dismisses blame on Rodri
Speaking about the criticism, Zubimendi said: "I haven't been following it too much, but it surprises me. With the midfield Spain have, it isn't exactly something that slows down the play. We have players with a lot of mobility, with the ability to play with just one or two touches."
On Rodri specifically, he added: "Rodri has shown just his worth at City, and with the national team. He's not to blame. He was fine the other day. He's had better games of course, but we can't blame him at all."
De la Fuente also defends Ballon d'Or winner
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente also hit out at critics of the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner. Speaking to Cadena COPE radio, he said: "It seems incredibly insulting to me that people would say that about the best player in the world. Would people say that about others who are considered the best in the world? I think they wouldn't dare.
"But because they're Spanish, we say things about our own that we wouldn't about others... Rodri is the best player in the world. Even at 50 per cent, he is better than most other midfielders in the world. He brings clarity, vision, balance. Rodri is an inspiration for us."
Zubimendi acknowledges long road ahead
De la Fuente has also backed Zubimendi to one day challenge for the Ballon d'Or, but the Arsenal midfielder remains grounded. He said: "I've got a long way to go! But it shows the faith he has in me, he knows me well at youth level. That's the message I get from him, and I'm happy."
Reflecting on his own form, Zubimendi added: "It's been a tough year. I've played a lot of games. At one point I felt fatigued, but right now, being here with the national team, I'm fine."
Spain face must-win clash against Saudi Arabia
Spain will hope to get their World Cup campaign back on track on Sunday when they face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. Another failure to win would put their hopes of an automatic spot in the knockout rounds in serious jeopardy.
