Rodrigo returned to play for Spain for the first time since November 2021 on Thursday evening in the semi-finals of the Nations League, helping his side beat Italy 2-1 – but Spanish newspaper AS have been critical of the Leeds star.
Rodrigo, 32, last played for Spain in November 2021 as a sub off the bench in a World Cup qualifier against Sweden. But he started on Thursday, with Willy Gnonto on Italy’s bench. Spain ran out 2-1 winners, Joselu scoring late on.
The game got off to a quick start. Yeremy Pino opened the scoring after just three minutes, only for experienced ace Ciro Immobile to equalise from the penalty spot on 11 minutes. Spain were the dominant side throughout the game.
It took until the 88th minute for Joselu, the ex-Newcastle and Stoke striker, to score. But a deserved win for Spain, who now take on Croatia in the Nations League final. Rodrigo, though, will be disappointed with his performance.
Starting on the right of Luis De La Fuente’s side, he was hooked at half-time after struggling in the first 45. Spanish site AS gave their verdict on Rodrigo – describing him as “predictable” and not looking “fresh” on Thursday night.
“He was not fresh nor did he make the best decisions in attack. He shot loosely in an action that had better options in more correct positioning. As he was predictable, he was substituted at halftime,” Spanish newspaper AS said.
Rodrigo returns for Spain: Spanish newspaper AS critical of Leeds star
Rodrigo more than deserves to play for Spain again, but he is not a winger. Sam Allardyce used Rodrigo in that role for the last couple of games. While he is not slow, he does not have the pace to play out wide. He is a poacher.
A striker that plays as a fox in the box, finishing chances from within 20 yards. So, if Rodrigo is given a chance in his actual position then he might actually impress in the red of Spain again. He might struggle to start against Croatia.
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