City’s attention may already be turning towards the new Premier League season, but tonight two of Enzo Maresca’s players will have their sights fixed firmly on something even bigger.
Rodri and Rayan Cherki will go head-to-head as Spain face France in the World Cup semi-finals, with a place in Sunday’s showpiece on the line.
The contrast between the two could hardly be greater.
Rodri heads into the contest as Spain’s captain and the player around whom Luis de la Fuente has built his midfield. After overcoming the serious knee injury that interrupted much of his 2025 campaign, the 29-year-old has once again become the metronome for his country, dictating possession and setting the tempo in trademark fashion.
Ahead of the last-four meeting, Rodri made it clear Spain will not be intimidated by the challenge France pose.
“France are one of the best teams here, in great form, but so are Spain. We can beat them.”
For Cherki, the journey has been rather different.
The 2025 summer signing has been forced to remain patient throughout much of the tournament, with Didier Deschamps using him largely from the bench as France have progressed to the semi-finals. While his minutes have been limited, the 22-year-old has still shown flashes of the creativity and unpredictability that persuaded City to bring him to the Etihad earlier this summer.
Rodri vs Cherki…
Whether Deschamps sticks with his established attacking line-up or looks to Cherki’s ability to unlock tiring defences later in the game remains to be seen. Either way, the City forward will be hoping this is the night he makes his biggest contribution of the tournament.
That subplot adds another layer of intrigue for City supporters.
Rodri is expected to shoulder responsibility from the first whistle, while Cherki could be asked to influence the game as a ‘finisher.’ Their roles may be very different, but both will have an important part to play if their nations are to reach the World Cup final.
By the end of the evening, one City player will be preparing for the biggest match in international football.
The other will be heading home, ready to turn his attention back to life under Maresca.
For one night only, teammates become rivals.
