Micah Richards made an odd comment prior to Spain’s match against France in the Euro 2024 semi-final.

Since winning the championship in 2012, Luis de la Fuente’s side has not advanced past the European Championship semifinals. He will be counting on Rodri to be at the pinnacle of his game.
‘elegant’ player who is ‘better on the ball’ than Rodri

The £62.5 million player will have a tough task ahead of him because France boasts what may be the best midfield in the competition.

A strong midfield lineup consists of N’Golo Kante, Aurelien Tchouameni, and either Eduardo Camavinga or Adrien Rabiot.

Even though Didier Deschamps’ midfield is uninspired, it is quite hard to get past them.

However, Spain is far more talented than France in the middle of the park; on Tuesday night, Rodri will be playing behind Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz.

Fabian Ruiz has an advantage against the Man City midfielder in one area thanks to Micah Richards.

The Manchester City player has not yet participated in an international match of this calibre for Spain.

Although the Spanish were proud of their 2023 UEFA Nations League victory, the European Championship is without a doubt the most sought-after championship in world football, second only to the World Cup.

Ruiz is a better passer of the ball than Rodri, according to Micah Richards, as Spain gets ready to play France at the Allianz Arena.

Fabian Ruiz is a better ball player than Rodri, according to Richards on The Rest Is Football podcast, who cited Ruiz’s success for Napoli in the Champions League. He’s probably a better ball player than me.

“But he’s just so graceful with the ball, and I thought he was going places in the Champions League—I can’t remember who it was.” Then, he does the same thing at PSG.

Rodri is unquestionably superior to Fabian Ruiz when he has the ball at his feet.If Micah Richards said that Ruiz is superior to Rodri, he would be right.

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder scored a spectacular solo goal from the edge of the box in Spain’s 3-0 victory over Croatia at Euro 2024, showcasing his excellent footwork.

As Micah Richards pointed out, aside from his dribbling, Ruiz is not a better passer than Rodri, especially when it comes to forward passing.

The four-time Premier League winner is not only able to switch between Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal with ease, but he also finished the previous season with 14 assists across all competitions, nine of which were in the Premier League.

Conversely, Ruiz provided assistance on three goals in Ligue 1 and seven in total across all competitions.

In terms of creativity, Rodri is the best, and the 28-year-old’s ball striking statistics also benefit him. 

Ruiz has three goals overall and one in the league, although the former Atletico Madrid midfielder scored eight goals in the league the previous season.

Some of Rodri’s best goals include a spectacular half-volley against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, a wonderful equaliser against Georgia in the Round of 16, and a stunning goal against West Ham on the last day of the season.

Although both players are equally skilled in confined quarters, it is harder to take the ex-Villareal anchor out because to his frightening size and ball-shielding ability.

Therefore, even taking Rodri into account in this particular circumstance, Richards’ argument is not supported.