Spain manager Robert Moreno believes that Manchester City star Rodri can be used alongside Barcelona maestro Sergio Busquets, rather than replace him.
Rodri was identified by Pep Guardiola as the ideal long-term successor to Fernandinho following a superb season with Atletico Madrid and City broke their transfer record to bring him to the Etihad.
Just like at club level, the 23-year-old is viewed as the natural replacement for Busquets in the Spanish national team once the legendary Barcelona man hangs up his boots.
However, Moreno has revealed he has plans to use the two defensive midfielders together in a two-man pivot due to Rodri 's "incredible quality".
Against the right opposition, the Spain boss may opt to use the system.
"Of course, if there is a match in which we consider that the opponent is good in the air, or that we need more physical players we will try, without losing our identity, to include the players that can improve us in that department," he told El Pais. "I think we now have players that have many characteristics. Rodri has incredible quality, but Fabian [Ruiz] too.
"We have Koke and Saul [Niguez], who were not part of the squad last time, but who can give us that touch football and also that aggressiveness they have with [Diego Simeone]. We also like to have that."
Rodri has made an impressive start to life in England and revealed how he already feels settled into life in Manchester.
The midfielder said: "It’s good for me to play minutes, is not easy to get into a team with the dynamic City have – overwhelming, always wanting to attack. I’m trying to settle well, I know I still have a lot to learn, but I’m happy because Pep’s showing me a lot of confidence."
