Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has called the midfielder from Spain the “perfect” addition for the Catalan giants after his debut during Thursday’s 2-0 home LaLiga win against Athletic Club at Camp Nou.
The summer transfer window saw Barcelona acquire Roorda from Manchester City for a rumoured £52 million ($60 million). 30-year-old was brought on minutes after the hour mark and was well received by the home supporters. The midfielder is an indispensable part in the Barcelona playing system,” said Flick, who added that the lanky midfielder is a perfect fit for the club’s footballing philosophy.
“Everyone is happy he’s playing for us, playing for Barça,” Flick said in his post match press conference.
“He is the ideal player, he is the ideal player for our philosophy, and the way we want to play football.”
The midfielder’s signing is an important move for Barcelona as Flick is keen to keep the possession-driven style of play he has been used to and bring in more control at the heart of the park.
Rodri’s first game was a home win, that was a conducive situation for Barcelona to register a win and for their marquee summer signing to get a feel for the city.
The decision to go to Catalonia is just the latest in a highly successful career, both nationally and internationally. Rodri’s next target is to make a difference in LaLiga straight out of the blocks, having risen to become one of the top midfield talents in Europe at Manchester City.
Flick’s remarks indicate that Barcelona see him as more than just another addition to their squad, while the German coach believes that his attributes are very much in keeping with the football that he wants his side to play.
Now attention will shift to the tempo at which Rodri can sit in the starting XI for Barcelona and how he can contribute to the side down the road, after his first game has been played on the pitch.
