Rodri: Man City and Spain midfielder still setting the standard as Pep Guardiola's World Cup prediction proves accurate

Rodri came in for some criticism in Spain after they were held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in their first game of the World Cup. There were accusations that he had moved the ball too slowly; that he was in some way responsible for the result.

His manager made it clear he felt otherwise. "It seems incredibly insulting to me that people would say that about the best player in the world," said Luis de la Fuente. "Would people say that about others who are considered the best? I don't think they would dare.

"But because he's Spanish, we say things about our own that we wouldn't about others. Rodri is the best player in the world. Even at 50 per cent, he is better than most other midfielders. He brings clarity, vision, balance. Rodri is an inspiration for us."

Five weeks and six straight wins later, it is easy to forget how this tournament began for Spain and their captain, whose performances on their run to the final have proved his manager right. If not the best in the world, then certainly the best in his position.

He came into it on the back of a difficult season domestically following his return from the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in the previous campaign as setbacks hindered his efforts to recapture his best form. But it has all played out exactly as Pep Guardiola predicted for the 30-year-old in October.

"I said to him, and he maybe struggled to understand, it's not about six, seven, eight months out, then playing and being the Rodri of before. No. Do you know when Rodri will be good? At the World Cup with Spain. At the World Cup he will be the best Rodri."

He heads into Sunday's final against Argentina having completed the most passes by any player at a World Cup on record, with 655. He has helped Spain grind opponents down by circulating the ball, while also offering speed and incision when required.

His total of 62 line-breaking passes in the final third is the most by any player at a World Cup since Toni Kroos hit the same number for Germany on their way to winning it in 2014. Only winger Alex Baena has created more chances among Spain players.

At a tournament in which Spain have averaged 64 per cent possession, almost everything has travelled through him. Rodri has had roughly 20 per cent more touches and made roughly 20 per cent more passes than any player from any side.