Real Sociedad midfielder Merino: Rodri deserves Ballon d'Or recognition

Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino has talked up Spain teammate Rodri's Ballon d'Or chances.

For many, Manchester City midfielder Rodri is the best in the world.

Merino told Marca: "Many times these campaigns, unfortunately, are necessary for these awards. Rodri is lucky, or unlucky, to be a player with great humility, but he still doesn't make headlines like Haaland and Mbapp do... But his level is very high.

"He won it all last year and playing at a level to get into this conversation. From my point of view, since I know what it's like to play in midfield, how difficult it is and the pressure you have, I know that he deserves all the praise possible.

"We know each other very well. And our families too for years. We have a good relationship. I think we understand each other well on the field. For me, from that second height, having him behind me gives me a lot of security. He is someone with whom I understand very well. We perform very similar functions on a defensive and offensive level. It is a joy to play alongside him, a luxury."