On the pitch, Rodri's brilliance comes from going unnoticed.
He's always there for Manchester City, patrolling the midfield, rarely putting a foot wrong yet playing an irreplaceable role in Pep Guardiola's system. Without Rodri, City wouldn't function to the level they do - although he's at his best when he does his role under the radar and out of the spotlight.
This week, though, away from City on international duty, Rodri has been firmly on the radar. He's riled two opposition fanbases, added a new dimension to the Premier League title race, and emerged as the Blues' unlikely pantomime villain going into the last two months of the campaign.
ALSO READ: Rodri slammed for 'classless' attack on Scotland tactics
First, Rodri upset Arsenal fans by daring to challenge for a loose ball in his own box as the opposition player wound up to shoot. He made contact with ball, and admittedly the man, in a strong-but-legal challenge. His only crime was that the player in question was Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.
So of course, Rodri must have identified Odegaard in that split second and gone in strongly to try and injure a direct title rival... That, at least, is the view of some sections of Arsenal fans online, regardless of the fact that it's an absolutely nonsense theory.
Still, it was more headlines than Rodri usually generates, so he was perhaps grateful to have a clash with Scotland next up, where he was handed the captain's armband and will have hoped to quietly influence the game once more.
Things didn't go to plan, as Scott McTominay twice scored to give Scotland a famous win and leave Spain in another mess. After the game, Rodri called the Scottish tactics 'rubbish', pointing to their timewasting and deception to run down the clock.
Ally McCoist said the interview lacked class, adding that Rodri's problem with Scotland's physical game was exactly the same as he plays for City. Add the whole of Scotland to the red side of North London that Rodri has upset in a matter of days.
Arsenal probably weren't too fond of Rodri anyway, after his exuberant celebrations at the Emirates last season after his 95th minute winner. His ability to wind up the opposition isn't something he's only discovered this week. He's also given similar post-match interviews to his Scotland one if City have come up against more defensive and physical teams.
Whether right or wrong, Rodri's standards clearly remain high going off his eventful week with Spain. City won't complain if he continues to demand the highest levels from his teammates, nor if he throws himself in front of every shot on their goal.
If he brings other City players along with him, and winds up the odd opposition fan, it could even be a useful advantage.
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