Rodriguez addressed the press at Ciudad del Futbol after being called up to Spain‘s senior squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. “The reception has been exceptional,” said the Como midfielder. “Alvaro [Morata] helped me a lot with the group. He told me he’ll keep working to get his next opportunity. He’s a role model.”
Rodriguez admitted it took time to believe his call-up was real. “It was hard for me to believe I’d be here, but I took it calmly and quietly. What I did was keep working and hope for the second opportunity to come.”
He also spoke about the leap from club football to the national setup, where his interaction with Barcelona‘s Yamal left a deep impression.
Rodriguez described Yamal as the most impressive player he has trained with. The Spaniard further explains how training with him makes you want to improve yourself and your game.
“He’s the player who has surprised me the most. He’s very capable in training. For me, he’s the best player in the world; he’ll surely achieve many things. I always try to learn as much as possible from him. He’s a role model,” he said.
A product of Real Betis‘ youth academy, Rodriguez was signed by Como this summer after just one year featuring for Betis’ first-team, in which he played 44 games, scoring five goals and registering four assists. The 19-year-old winger has started seven games for the Serie A side, scoring two goals and two assists across all competitions.
“The truth is that La Liga changes a lot. It’s more tactical, more about touch. Italy is more defensive, more physical,” he explained when asked about the differences between the leagues. “I’ll adapt and keep improving. I hope to reach my best level there soon.”
The player says it’s the Como manager’s trust in him and that he has been given the freedom to express himself on the pitch that he’s got the national team call-up.
“He’s an incredible coach, very approachable. Cesc told me to make myself known, to be bold. That’s why they called me, and if I do what I do here, I’ll have a chance to keep coming back.”
The Como midfielder is determined to make an impact in Spain’s senior squad and catch the eye of coach de la Fuente. “I always give it my all. I imagine he’ll like me because I’ve been doing things well. I always try to repay the trust he’s placed in me,” said the 19-year-old.n
With Yamal sidelined by injury, Rodriguez sees a chance to establish himself and is focused on performing at his best in training and matches, hoping to secure future call-ups and grow within the national setup.n
