Rodri does not deserve to win the Ballon d’Or. After Spain’s triumph in the Euros, Rodri has emerged as a major contender for football’s greatest individual prize. He had a great season with Man City and was inarguably one most important players in Spain’s stacked lineup. However, he still doesn’t deserve to win the Golden Ball. The best player in the world is awarded the Ballon d’Or. Rodri is not the best player in the world. He’s a cog in Pep’s system at Manchester City and he wasn’t even Spain’s best midfielder. Despite being one of the best midfielders in the world, Rodri shouldn’t even be close to first place for the Ballon d’Or.
Rodri And Recency Bias
The Man City man has won multiple accolades this year. He clinched the league with City earlier in May along with the Super Cup. He was spectacular for the Cityzens with 8 goals and 9 assists from midfield in the Premier League. Historically the Ballon d’Or has had a bias to forwards. A midfielder, Luka Modric, won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, and there was immense controversy surrounding his arguably undeserved victory. Despite Rodri’s exemplary exploits, he was not the best player in the world. The former in particular was fantastic for Los Blancos this season. He dropped numerous splendid performances, including two against Rodri’s Man City in the Champions League knockouts. Vinicius was a monster for Madrid and perhaps recency bias has hurt his claim. As good as Rodri was, fans shouldn’t forget Vinicius’ clutch performances in the Champions League and La Liga.
Vinicius Jr Is The True Winner
Rodri winning the Euros player of the tournament was quite arguable. His midfield partner, Fabian Ruiz was fantastic throughout the tournament. Young Lamine Yamal was Spain’s most dangerous player. Despite Rodri’s importance to the side, he was not the best player. Critics often lament the fact that football has become more robotic and players are becoming nothing more than cogs in a system. Vinicius Jr is an exemption to this rule, the finest Brazillian product since Neymar himself. Him winning the Ballon d’or would be a statement that the old way isn’t dead yet. Rodri had an amazing campaign but Vinicius Jr is the clear frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or.
