Former Barcelona striker Thierry Henry feels that the Catalans have signed another Sergio Busquets by bringing in Rodri from Manchester City.
Rodri has made the switch after winning the World Cup with Spain in the summer and Henry thinks his arrival at Camp Nou is a game changer.
“I don’t know if he’s better than Busquets or not, because that’s a whole other discussion, but I never thought I’d see another Busquets. I’ve seen him, I’m seeing one. Barça has acquired another Busquets,” he said on CBS
Sports.
“Busquets never won a Ballon d’Or, but neither did Xavi or Iniesta. What I’m trying to say is that this guy, if he’s fit and I hope he doesn’t get injured, completely transforms your team. They won 5-0 and didn’t concede a single counter-attack. That’s what he brings to the table, and that’s why this team will be so dangerous.”
Henry also analyzed Rodri’s performances on his first start for Barcelona in the 5-0 win over Valencia last time out in La Liga.
“There was no pressure on the ball; he controlled the inside, drew the wide player away, and ran with the opponent as he should. And as a defensive midfielder, he recycled the ball and moved directly forward. Because of his playing style and his vision, it’s his job to have the ability to anticipate and stop the opponent,” he added.
“Did you see how, when pressing the player on the wing, he didn’t go to ground? He stopped almost two meters away, analyzed the situation, allowed his team to recover possession, returned to the center, controlled the ball, and passed it to the other side. He’s different, and we know it. Hopefully, he’ll stay fit for them.”
Rodri is expected to make his first Champions League appearance for Barcelona later today when the Catalan giants open up their campaign against Feyenoord.
