Rodri admits Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has taken his game to heights he never imagined.

For many, Rodri is currently the best defensive midfielder in the world.

"He is the most influential coach in my career. He has raised me to a level I didn't know I could reach," Rodri told Cadena Cope.

"When you get used to being with him, I say: 'Why don't they do this', I see everything much easier. He gives you a toolbox and you have more tools than the rest. I want to highlight the ability that he has to instruct his players to make better use of surfaces by moving less. There are few players he has not taken to the top.

Sergio Busquets ended his national team career after the World Cup in Qatar. Rodri wants to fill the void in the Spanish national team.

"I wanted to be better than him, and you are talking about the best defensive midfielder of all time. Getting closer to that good," added Rodri.