Rodrigo Hernández Cascante - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, famously known as Rodrigo or Rodri, was born on 22nd June 1996 in Madrid, Spain. He developed an interest in soccer from an early age, which saw him join various youth teams in and around his hometown. Before he fully embraced professional football, Rodri had the luxury of pursuing his academics where he majored in Business Studies and Economics at the Polytechnic University of Madrid to balance his playing career.
Youth Career
Rodri’s youth career started off initially at two local football teams, CF Rayo Majadahonda and San Federico, before joining Atletico Madrid's youth system in 2007 at the tender age of 11. However, after three seasons he was released by Atletico Madrid and picked up by Villareal CF in 2011 where he excelled, ultimately making 80 appearances and scoring seven goals for the B-side (the club's reserve team). This was the foundation that boosted Rodri's to getting noticed as a professional footballer.
Career at Villarreal CF
Rodri joined Villarreal CF, a top-tier club in Spain, in 2015. He made his competitive debut for Villarreal CF on 17th December 2015 in a UEFA Europa League match against FK Viktoria Plzeň. He gradually drew attention through his performance, as he was able to showcase his technical prowess and physicality. Rodri's impressive stint at the Yellow Submarines, paired with a gap in the Atletico lineup for a player of his abilities, led Atletico Madrid to re-sign him in 2018.
Career at Atletico Madrid
Rodri re-joined Atletico Madrid in May 2018 on a five-year contract. His style of play was often compared to that of Sergio Busquets and due to his impressive style, he attracted a lot of interest from top clubs around the world. His tenure at the club was marked by a steady rise in performance and ability, and he managed to score three goals for Atleti in the 47 appearances he made. His performance and growth did not go unnoticed, and it soon caught the eyes of English Premier League club, Manchester City.
Career at Manchester City
Rodri was announced as a Manchester City player on July 4, 2019, signing a contract until 2024. It was reported that the transfer fee paid for Rodri was a club-record at GBP 62.8 million. Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, had identified Rodri as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, one of the key players in the team's midfield. Rodri's performances over the 2019-2020 season were highly praised, cementing his importance in the Manchester City Squad. He managed predominantly in a defensive midfield role but also capable operating a centre back, showcasing his adaptability.
International Career
Rodri represented Spain at various youth levels before making his senior team debut in 2018. His international career started with Spain’s U16 national team, and he continued to represent Spain consistently at each level up to the U21s. He made his first appearance for the Spanish senior team in a friendly against Germany on 23rd March 2018. Since then, Rodri has become a regular part of Spain's senior international squad.
Playing Style
Regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, Rodri is known for his positional sense, ability to read the game, and excellent passing. He's also a very physical player, using his stature and strength to win duels and disrupt opposition play. Additionally, having spent his early professional years as a centre back, he is also proficient in defense and is known for his ability to recycle possession and initiate attacks from deep-lying positions.
Achievements
During his career, Rodri has been part of several successful campaigns. At Manchester City, he won the Football League Cup and the Premier League in the 2019–20 season. He also won the UEFA Nations League with Spain in 2020. Individually, he was named in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season for the 2020–21 season.
Personal Life
Off the pitch, Rodri prioritizes his education deeply. He enrolled at the Polytechnic University of Madrid back in 2015 to study Business Studies and Economics, making him one of the few footballers to pursue higher education. Rodri's down-to-earth personality and high academic ambition make him a well-rounded individual and a role-model for numerous aspiring footballers.
