Rodri’s Ballon d’Or and the Champions League Clash
Rodri’s first Ballon d’Or, awarded last year, has once again become a topic of discussion as Manchester City and Real Madrid prepare to face each other in the Champions League two-legged playoff. The Spaniard’s influential year in central midfield before his long-term injury was the foundation for his accolade, which sparked significant controversy. Real Madrid, the defending champions, famously opted out of attending the award ceremony when they learned that Rodri, rather than their Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, had been chosen as the winner. This decision has added a layer of tension to the upcoming matches, as evidenced by the impressive but ultimately backfiring tifo from City fans ahead of the first leg last week.
The Role of the Holding Midfielder
The debate over Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win has brought the role of the holding midfielder into the spotlight. Claude Makelele, a former star of both Real Madrid and Chelsea, has expressed his joy at Rodri’s recognition. Makelele, known for his exceptional performances in this position, believes that the award highlights the importance of holding midfielders, a role often overshadowed by goal-scoring forwards. "When I left [Real Madrid], I’m not saying I punished them, but they realised they weren’t going to make the same mistake any more," Makelele said. "They realised now this position is big for the team." His comments underscore the evolving understanding of the game, where balance and leadership in the midfield are increasingly valued.
The Influence of a Midfield Maestro
Makelele’s insights into the role of a holding midfielder are particularly poignant. He emphasized the need for a player who is not only technically proficient but also a leader and a team player. "Carlo Ancelotti understands you need your striker and wingers to score goals, your defenders for security, but you need to have a good midfielder. [Someone] clever, with leadership, working in a good way, smiling, helping team-mates," he explained. "It makes the balance, and now many teams want this kind of player because it’s very expensive." Makelele’s recognition of Rodri’s win is a testament to the growing appreciation for the unsung heroes of the midfield, who often go unnoticed but are crucial to a team’s success.
The Financial Value of Midfielders
The financial aspect of the holding midfielder’s role has also been highlighted by Makelele. He noted that in today’s football market, players in this position are highly valued and can command significant transfer fees. "Imagine in my time, if I was playing in these times I would be the most expensive midfielder in the world," he said. "I’m happy because now the football world recognises this position. They gave the Ballon d’Or to a midfielder, so I’m happy for this." This shift in valuation reflects the changing dynamics of the game, where the importance of a well-rounded team is increasingly recognized over individual brilliance.
The Upcoming Second Leg
With Real Madrid leading 3-2 heading into the second leg at the Bernabeu, the Spanish side appears to have the upper hand. However, Makelele warned against complacency, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of football. "Madrid need to be careful because you never know. The big teams never die," he cautioned. "Every big team is not invincible, and football is like this – football is about fight, it’s not just about talent. You see Madrid have talent but they fight, they defend, they are in it together. This is a spirited team, and it’s different all the time, and sometimes the key comes from the manager."
The Manager’s Role and City’s Resilience
Makelele also offered advice to Manchester City, urging them to adapt their approach. "City need to understand that they can win in a different way, with suffering more," he said. "After they understand that they’ll come back to the way they played before, but you need time and this needs to come from the manager’s message." He believes that Pep Guardiola must convey the importance of resilience and adaptability to his team. "Pep Guardiola needs to make them understand this can happen, this is a moment in the club that it’s some negative, the football like this. They need to accept this and come back and fight, and I think they will come back to the way they were before and win games." The upcoming second leg promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a place in the next round of the Champions League.
