Hansi Flick says Rodri can give Barcelona greater control in midfield and raise the performance levels of the players around him after completing his move to the Catalan club.
Barcelona have confirmed the signing of the Spain international, who has already appeared on the club’s official website wearing the number 16 shirt. Flick believes the 30-year-old has all the qualities required to excel in the defensive midfield role.
“I think he is perhaps the best number 6. He can control the game and also provides a great deal of help defensively,” the Barcelona manager said, in comments reported by the Catalan newspaper Sport.
Flick also highlighted Rodri’s effectiveness in physical contests and in the air, rather than focusing solely on his ability to dictate possession and build attacks from deep.
“Aerial duels are very important for us,” said the German coach.
The former Manchester City midfielder’s influence, according to Flick, should extend well beyond his own position.
“Of course, his arrival will raise the level of every player,” he added.
Rodri joins Barcelona at a significant moment for the club, with Frenkie de Jong facing several months on the sidelines after suffering an injury. The absence of the Netherlands international was one of the factors that encouraged Flick to look for a midfielder capable of operating effectively as a pivot.
Rodri was identified as the player who best matched those requirements, thanks to his experience, leadership and ability to manage the tempo of a match. His composure when bringing the ball out under pressure is also expected to provide Barcelona with an important option in possession.
The midfielder is expected to play a key role in supporting a young group at Barcelona, including Pedri, Gavi, Fermin Lopez and Marc Bernal. Flick hopes Rodri’s presence will bring greater balance, authority and resilience to the centre of the pitch while helping those players develop within the dressing room.
Rodri arrives with an extensive collection of honours. His achievements include the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and several other major trophies. According to the information provided, he has also won the Ballon d’Or twice.
Flick wants the Spain international to become one of the central figures in his project at Barcelona, using his understanding of the game and his leadership to strengthen the team across the season ahead.
Rodri has also said that Barcelona was his first choice when discussing the move at his presentation, in a remark presented as a pointed message to Real Madrid. His arrival gives Flick an experienced solution in a position that has become especially important following De Jong’s injury.
The Barcelona manager’s assessment reflects the expectations surrounding the transfer: Rodri is viewed not only as a specialist defensive midfielder, but as a player capable of improving the structure and effectiveness of the entire side.
