Overview
- The Arsenal midfielder scored Spain’s second in the 22nd minute from a Fabián Ruiz pass in Tbilisi.
- Luis de la Fuente started him with Mikel Merino and Fabián Ruiz, and he completed the full match.
- He recorded 97 touches and completed 83 of 89 passes for 93% accuracy, according to Sofascore.
- Reports in Marca, Mundo Deportivo and El Desmarque praised him as Spain’s “anchor” and questioned an automatic Rodri return once fit.
- His July move from Real Sociedad to Arsenal for about £51m is being lauded in Spain, with Sport suggesting Real Madrid erred by missing out.