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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Joe Bray

Man City star Rodri open to new position for Spain at World Cup

Rodri says he will play in defence if he has to for Spain at the World Cup, with more competition for midfield places than he is used to at Manchester City.

The holding midfielder has been an ever-present for City this season and has carried his consistent form on from last season to cement his status as one of the world's best in his position. Unfortunately for Rodri, however, he is competing with another world-class midfielder for his country, as Sergio Busquets is a mainstay for Spain.

So if Rodri wants minutes at the World Cup, he will have to either play alongside Busquets or adapt his role to suit Luis Enrique's system.

ALSO READ: Three City players could return from World Cup with new positions

"We are two great players, we compete for a position, but we can both play together," Rodri said of his competition with Busquets.

"It is a decision of the coach. Intelligent players always understand each other on the field and I have no doubt that there will be games that the coach will put us together, we would win in many aspects. With Busi and Xabi Alonso we won a World Cup."

In Spain's last competitive match, Rodri started in midfield but dropped back into defence when Busquets was introduced, and that is a role he would be happy to repeat in Qatar.

“I am open to everything," he said. "I have played a lot in my team and I can adapt perfectly, I think I am physically prepared, I felt good against Portugal and what I want is to play, and that is how I have communicated it to the boss.”

Rodri also compared City boss Pep Guardiola with Spain manager Enrique, praising both for advancing his development.

"Pep and Luis are two of the best coaches in the world, without a doubt," he explained. "I've been lucky to be with them for practically the same amount of time and just seeing my evolution speaks of how good they are."

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